Reliquary figure - Mbete, Mbede or Ambete People, Gabon - CGM9

The tensed posture suggests their role as an active guardian to the reliquary's contents placed in their back.
The spiritual connection between the living and the dead is given physical form in these reliquary guardians.

It was believed that small bones retained the power of deceased ancestors. By preserving the relics, that power would provide protection for the family members caring for the remains. Likely post WWII.

Ex. Leonard Kahan Gallery, New York and Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection

Height: 17 ⅛”
Height including base: 17 ⅞"
Width: 5”
Depth: 4 ¾”

These people go either by the names Mbete, Mbede, or Ambete.