African Mask Bakota

This African Mask Bakota originates from Gabon in West Africa, made by a proud tribesman from the Bakota tribe.

This African mask has been intricately metal worked with brass and wood. A Bakota mask would be used for festivity and celebration. The Bakota are noted for their copper and brass reliquary guardian figures, which are part of a powerful religious and mystical order known as Bwete. The African Mask Bakota Statue would usually feature the characteristics of an elderly man with a small beard, whereas in this case the missing beard and side locks would point to this statue being a woman.  The exaggerated fore head and large hair style would symbolize her strength. The Bakota Mask has the significance of Kingship, a ceremonial tribal mask representing the longevity and reign of the King. The true meaning of Bakota is unclear, however it may be derived from the word kota, which means to bind/to attach/to link, hereby suggesting they view themselves as a united people bound by a common fate.

 

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A fine MAHONGWE Reliquary figure made in wood and covered with brass and red copper plates. This figures represents the connection between the world of the living and the dead in African art. Human remains of ancestors of high descent were kept in baskets that were guarded by this type of figures. In this case the head is made out of brass and red copper plates and. Very nice and detailed work.Good condition, but this statue shows some usual wear and tear, small chip on the bottem, see pictures.

 

African Mask Bakota
African Mask Bakota
African Mask Bakota
African Mask Bakota

The Bakota (or Kota) are a Bantu ethnic group from the northeastern region of Gabon. The language they speak is called iKota, but is sometimes referred to as Bakota, ikuta, Kota, and among the Fang, they are known as Mekora. The language has several dialects, which include: Ndambomo, Mahongwe, Ikota-la-hua, Sake, Menzambi, Bougom. Some of these dialects themselves include regional variations of some kind.

The Kota are traditionally a patriarchal society, however some of the sub-groups such as the Mahongwe have over time adopted a matrilineal system of lineage (Mahongwe means, “from your father”).

The true meaning of Bakota is unclear, however it may be derived from the word kota, which means to bind/to attach/to link, hereby suggesting they view themselves as a united people bound by a common fate.

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Bakota Tribe Royal Artisan

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