A rare sculpture of a bilombo, a ceremonial stick carved with a female bust with hands folded over the belly and a four-shelled headdress reminding us of the importance of the ancestor. The bilombo is a female "fetish" and the exclusive property of a woman initiated into bwiti. This rare specimen, ending in a twisted point, bears witness to a carved space in its center to receive its "charge", as well as one or more mirrors that covered it, all of which have now disappeared, and enabled connection to the invisible and the spirits of the ancestors. Lumbu, Gabon Height: 31.5cm Hardwood, small visible accidents and slight chips, beautiful old patina. Provenance: Jacques Viault Jacques Viault Collection