Lot 581

An impressive Ambete figure with copper and beads, large cavity H 103 cm Mbete sculptors developed a figurative reliquary form that fully integrated ancestral sacra within the sculpture. In this tradition, a hollowed columnar torso served as an internal receptacle. That core is framed by the gesture of minimally defined arms held to either side and supported below by knees bent above broad muscular calves. The tensed posture of the figures suggests their role as active guardian to the reliquary's contents. Access to the contents was afforded through a dorsal aperture." Metropolitan for a similar example Accession Number: 2002.456.17 Swiss collection