For the record, the Mahongwe put up a great resistance against the invading French. Part of the Kota people, they live in the northeastern part of the country of Gabon near the Congo border. They draw upon the Bwete sect for their societal and religious beliefs. The Mahongwe in general have a fear of the dead and give much attention to appeasing ancestors in exchange for protection. One way in which this is achieved is by preserving objects that were thought to be important to the deceased. The skulls and bones were also retained. These relics would be placed in a woven basket which was topped by the famous Mahongwe “reliquary”. This reliquary comes in three parts; the most dominating section being the large serpentine-like structure that surmounts the basket. Constructed from wire and or metal strips the reliquary defines Mahongwe art. In Africa the role of seating is very important and gives commissioned artisans the chance to show off some of their best works while spotlighting tribal pride. Using their unique reliquary motif as the main focal point the craftsman formed the seat from a native hard wood and adorned it with the traditional brass sheeting. The configuration is masterful where as the backing that is attached to the seat bottom by a wooden hinge folds down onto the seat itself. This is a unique seat reserved for an exalted tribal member with the famed Mahongwe motif giving him eternal protection.

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Dimensions: The entire seat is 36 inches tall x 15 inches across x 16 inches deep. 

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