Tsogo, reliquary figure

Human face surmounted by a high helmet-like headdress with three large braids, the bulging forehead is engraved between the protruding eyebrows with a triple vertical scarification, the oblique eyes are inlaid with fragments of mirror, the open mouth extends the prognathic chin.

Beautiful reliquary head with nervous features. The mirrored eyes reflect the light of the torches and keep the profane away from the relics by animating the gaze of the object with their disturbing fires.

Light wood, glass, padouk, old patina.

Provenance : Christie's Primitive Art 2002 Paris.

Expert of the sale :
- Alain de Montbrison
- Pierre Amrouche