This is a past event.

Reliquary guardian figure, 19th century. Wumbu, Gabon. Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb

Kota: Digital Excavations in African Art

When: Fri., Oct. 16, 6-9 p.m., Wednesdays, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Thursdays, Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Continues through March 19 2016

The Kota people are an ethnic group located in Gabon known primarily in the Western world for their magnificent guardian figures. Made of copper or brass, these figural sculptures represent not just the artistic and aesthetic prowess of their makers but the powerful — and secretive — religious rites of a mystical order. Belgian computer engineer Frederic Cloth designed a database that organizes key visual data to group the guardians and better understand their origins, and perhaps unlock some of their symbolic meanings. Kota: Digital Excavations in African Art, the new exhibition at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation (3716 Washington Boulevard; 314-754-1850 or www.pulitzerarts.org), showcases more than 50 Kota reliquaries as well as providing visitors information about Cloth's database and methodology. Kota opens with a free reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, October 16. The exhibition remains open through Saturday, March 19, 2016, and the Pulitzer is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.

— Paul Friswold