Fang Ntumu Byeri figure
The statuary of ancestor worship in Gabon
In traditional African art, the Fang are renowned for their statues and sculpted heads imbued with beauty and mystical serenity intended to keep the relics of ancestors. These were arranged in boxes and baskets made to contain the skulls and certain bones of venerated ancestors. At the top of these baskets and boxes sat a statue or a head whose role was to watch over the deceased.
Offerings and sacrifices were made there which could consist in the application of vegetable oils giving these pieces a dark and smooth patina as is the case on this remarkable Byeri guardian coming from the Fang Ntumu sub-group.
The byeri is the representation of the founding ancestor, holder of authority and temporal power. He was consulted before any major decision was taken such as planting, hunting, war, ... and God knows if the Fang knew anything about war: their reputation as ferocious warriors and cannibals spread and preceded them in their exodus from the north-west of Gabon to the south and the coast. They then absorbed or decimated the ethnic groups they found in their path.
See in the context photo: presentation of the byeri skulls to new initiates. Small pearls are encrusted in the skull of this statue in order to give it eyes and this, to better see the danger coming and to chase away the evil spells.
01610
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- 2nd half XXth
- Size
- 52,5 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, beads
- Country
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
You might also like
The statuary of ancestor worship in Gabon
In traditional African art, the Fang are renowned for their statues and sculpted heads imbued with beauty and mystical serenity intended to keep the relics of ancestors. These were arranged in boxes and baskets made to contain the skulls and certain bones of venerated ancestors. At the top of these baskets and boxes sat a statue or a head whose role was to watch over the deceased.
Offerings and sacrifices were made there which could consist in the application of vegetable oils giving these pieces a dark and smooth patina as is the case on this remarkable Byeri guardian coming from the Fang Ntumu sub-group.
The byeri is the representation of the founding ancestor, holder of authority and temporal power. He was consulted before any major decision was taken such as planting, hunting, war, ... and God knows if the Fang knew anything about war: their reputation as ferocious warriors and cannibals spread and preceded them in their exodus from the north-west of Gabon to the south and the coast. They then absorbed or decimated the ethnic groups they found in their path.
See in the context photo: presentation of the byeri skulls to new initiates. Small pearls are encrusted in the skull of this statue in order to give it eyes and this, to better see the danger coming and to chase away the evil spells.