Known as Osseyba, these figures served as guardians of ancestral relics among the Kota people. They were placed on top of baskets containing the bones of important ancestors and acted as spiritual protectors of lineage and memory. The abstracted facial features and radiant metal surfaces symbolized ancestral presence and authority, while the reflective metal was believed to repel malevolent forces and protect the sacred relics.
The figure consists of a carved wooden core covered with carefully applied sheets of hammered copper and brass. The metal is shaped and fixed with small tacks, creating the stylized facial features and symmetrical geometric surface. The elongated form and crescent-shaped head reflect the distinctive aesthetic of Kota reliquary figures, combining sculptural wood carving with refined metalworking techniques.
