Woman's head 1999
Stone, gold | 41.0 x 14.0 x 8.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 74657
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A stone carving of a female African head, hair piled high with gold thread decoration, her face turned over her left shoulder and wearing a gold pendant on a chain around her neck. The reverse carved with short swirling lines throughout. In a yellow leather box with double front-opening doors. The pendant is in the form of the Gabonese reliquary guardian found among the Kota-Obama people: mbulu-ngulu (image of the spirit of the dead).
Provenance
Presented to HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh for Queen Elizabeth II during his visit to Gabon in April 1999, 'Avec les compliments de Madame la Presidente Edith Lucie Bongo'. The presentation inscription in French reads 'Stone figurine from Mbigou in Ngounie [a southern province of Gabon]. Adorned with 18 carat gold'.
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)