Authenticated African BAKOTA Brass & Wood RELIQUARY, Rare for sale in Dogwood Acres, Texas

AUTHENTICATED ANTIQUE AFRICAN BAKOTA RELIQUARY, KOTA/BAKOTA
Made of Brass and Wood
Approximately 14" tall
When a high-ranking tribesman died, this reliquary was placed with his remains to guard from mischieveous spirits as well as grave robbers. Often rodents got into the grave and gnawed on the bones and on the reliquary. Where they gnawed can be seen on the wood portion of the reliquary. A very beautiful item with a wonderful history and patina.
I obtained this piece from a woman whose husband and her traveled extensively in Africa, actually living with the tribes at times. The couple collected a good number of pieces through the years. When her husband died, she no longer wanted the collection and I bought it from her. Now I've moved and no longer have room for it all.
All of the pieces have been authenticated by Mr. Sulayman Jarra who is an African Art expert, has two African Art galleries in Houston, and who came to my home to authenticate the pieces for me. The collection was valued then at over $43,000. I have about 33 other pieces of the collection including drums, Lega masks, headdresses, Songye items, Chokwe items, children's dolls, ritual pots, fertility statues and more.

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