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Gardien de Reliquaire du Gabon
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Gardien de Reliquaire du Gabon
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Gardien de Reliquaire du Gabon

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.07112011-16-1.a-b
Object Type Sculpture
Gifter
Manufacturer (Founded 1878)
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date 2008
Medium glass, metal
DimensionsOverall H 14 in (35.6 cm )
 Other H 10 in (25.4 cm )
 Storage (Box) H 34 in x W 16 in x D 13 in (86.4 cm x 40.6 cm x 33 cm )
Physical DescriptionBlue glass sculpture (.a) recreation of a traditional Gabonese mask on top of metal base (.b). The mask is a stylized human face with a concave oval center, an elevated triangular nose, and eyes represented with two semi-circles and raised bumps for pupils. A transverse crest on the top and two crescents with flat bottoms framing the face represent hair and hair adornments. textured areas of the glass represent where different material would have been used on the traditional mask. Base represents the neck and is a textured silver colored metal, forming a diamond at the bottom.


Historical NoteThis item was received by President Barack Obama from the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo, during a diplomatic exchange at the White House on June 9, 2011.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library. Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540607)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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