These reliquary figures helped a nomadic society to honor their loved ones after death.
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European patrons encouraged artists to include human forms on objects that were previously nonfigurative.
Figurative Harp (Domu) (Mangbetu peoples)
This stool reminds the king to thank his mother for his power, and is so important that it has its own bodyguard.
Buli Master, possibly Ngongo ya Chintu, Prestige ...
Though many raffia textiles were made as garments for and by both men and women, this one was intended for display.
Double Prestige Panel (Kuba peoples)
During its brief fling with Christianity, the Kongo kingdom merged western iconography with local aesthetics.
Crucifix (Kongo peoples)
The Fang peoples commemorated their ancestors with carved reliquary figures that they honored with offerings.
Female Figure from a Reliquary Ensemble (Fang ...
Lavishly decorated with expensive materials for the chief’s exclusive use, this isn’t your average wine bottle.
Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel (Cameroon Grasslands peoples)
Long before the advent of cell phones and social media, the Luba had invented their own handheld memory device.
Lukasa (Memory Board) (Luba peoples)
The austere display of this powerful object masks the complexity of its original context.
Elephant Mask (Bamileke Peoples)
This mask was made and worn by men, but its purpose is to honor women who have bravely survived childbirth.
Female (pwo) Mask
These figures look calm and contemplative, but also display real strength and vitality in their muscular forms.
Female Reliquary Guardian Figure (Fang peoples)—video
The king did not sit for this portrait; in fact, the artist carved it without directly observing his subject.
Ndop Portrait of King Mishe miShyaang maMbul ...
These fascinating spiritual figures became prime targets for the ire of Christian missionaries in the 19th century.