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TSOGO STYLE DOOR FRAMEDescription
The Tsogo people of Gabon, though less renowned than their Fang, Kwele, and Punu neighbors, have a rich artistic tradition that includes the use of sculpted ancestor figures and faces to protect their homes. One notable form of this protective art is seen in their door frames, which serve as both functional and symbolic elements in Tsogo architecture.
These door frames can vary in style and complexity. Some are plank-like, featuring highly stylized figures and abstract shapes that cover the sides and the horizontal top piece. Others are fully three-dimensional, with multiple figures or a single figure emerging from an abstract pattern.
The door frames are often encrusted with cracking paint and offerings, adding to their mystical and aged appearance. They exhibit a muscular tension and proportions reminiscent of Fang art, indicating a shared artistic influence and cultural exchange within the region.