The art by people in this region is of immense spiritual significance.
19th-20th century
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Kota reliquary (mbulu ngulu)
These reliquary figures helped a nomadic society to honor their loved ones after death.
Female Figure from a Reliquary Ensemble (Fang peoples)
The Fang peoples commemorated their ancestors with carved reliquary figures that they honored with offerings.
Female Reliquary Guardian Figure (Fang peoples)—video
These figures look calm and contemplative, but also display real strength and vitality in their muscular forms.