Gabon, are stylized wooden sculptures covered in metal, used to guard ancestral remains. These figures, known as mbulu ngulu, are not portraits of specific individuals but rather idealized representations of ancestors, embodying their power and protecting the relics. The figures typically feature a flat, lozenge-shaped body and a distinctive oval or circular head, often adorned with copper or brass. 

Key Characteristics:

• Reliquary Guardians:

• Kota figures were placed atop baskets or containers holding the bones and other remains of revered ancestors. 

• Abstracted Forms:

• They are highly stylized, with the human form reduced to its essential elements, emphasizing the head and a diamond-shaped body. 

• Metal Covering:

• The use of copper and brass, often hammered and engraved, was not merely decorative; it was believed to enhance the figure's spiritual power and protect against evil spirits. 

• Two-Dimensional Appearance:

• Despite being three-dimensional, the figures often appear flat due to the emphasis on surface decoration and the way they were mounted on reliquary containers. 

• Gender Distinction:

• Some Kota figures exhibit subtle differences in their features, such as the convexity or concavity of the forehead, which may indicate whether the figure represents a male or female ancestor. 

• Geometric Designs:

• The metal surfaces are often decorated with geometric patterns, adding to the visual complexity and symbolic meaning. 

Significance:

• Ancestral Veneration:

• Kota figures played a vital role in the Kota people's practice of ancestor worship, connecting the living with the spiritual realm of their deceased relatives. 

• Protection and Prosperity:

• The figures were believed to offer protection to the living and to ensure the well-being and prosperity of the lineage. 

• Social and Political Status:

• The elaborate metalwork and the effort involved in creating these figures also served as a marker of social status and prestige. 

Variations:

• Kota Subgroups:

• Different Kota subgroups, such as the Obamba, may have variations in the style and decoration of their reliquary figures. 

• Materials:

• While copper and brass are common, other materials like iron may also be used. 

• Two-Sided Figures:

• Some Kota figures are known to have two distinct sides, possibly representing both male and female ancestors. 23"×11"×4"