Fang Reliquary Byeri Figure, Gabon Start Price USD 4,500.00 Current Price USD 4,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, September 30, 2008 End Time Thursday, October 30, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Fang Reliquary Byeri Figure, Gabon' Description Reliquary byeri figure, Fang, Gabon Type of Object: Reliquary Figure (Byeri Figure)Ethnic Group: Fang (Ntumu Sub-group, Northern Fang)Country of Origin: Gabon & Equatorial GuineaMaterials: Wood, pigments and Brass TacksApproximate Age: Mid - 20th CenturyDimensions: Height is 28 inchesOverall Condition: GoodDamage, Repair: chips and minor cracks in the head and the left leg Additional Information: Though close in their different forms Fang reliquary figures fall into a number of subtly differentiated sub-styles that stretch from their core area in Gabon to southern Cameroon. This standing reliquary figure is carved in a Northern Fang sculptural style and in a technique that is slightly different than most reliquary figures from this area. The heart shaped face and features, hairstyle and body shape locate the figure among the Ntumu, a northern Fang sub-group. Brass tacks define the eyes and the smooth surface of this well used figure reflects the use and care given to the figure over an extended period of time. During migrations which took place in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries the Fang people moved to their present area becoming part of a complex overlay of population of approximately 200,000, presently reaching from southern Cameroon into Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Living in small forest communities the Fang focused upon tightly knit kinship and lineage systems and the veneration of ancestors through the use of figurative sculptures. Each lineage's ancestors were located in family shrines where memorials or reliquary boxes known as byeri, containing their bones were under the care of an elder known as the Esa. Containers made of either bark or woven basketry were surmounted by sculpted figures known as eyema-o-byeri that guarded the remains of Fang ancestors (Fernandez 1975: 723-46). When not in actual use the sculpted figures were generally hidden from view. This figure most probably was placed on a family altar where it was venerated. Fang memorial sculpture has a long history of use and was in fact photographed as early as 1907 (Tessmann 1913/1972, vol. II). However the cult of Byeri began to lose its prominence after 1910 due to colonial government pressure. This finely carved and well used figure would hold a prominent position in a collection. This is a stunning and powerful piece that will be of good addition to any collection. The condition is good and the patina is gorgeous!Recommended Reading: Fernandez, J. 'La statuaire Fang-Gabon', African Arts, 8, No.1, 1974. Fernandez, J. W. and R. L. 'Fang Reliquary Art: Its Quantities and Qualities.' Cahiers d'etudes africaines, 15, No. 5. 1975 Perrois, L. Statuaire fang, Paris. 1972 Perrois, L. Sculpture traditionelle du Gabon, Paris. 1977 Tessmann, G. Die Pangwe, Berlin and New York. 1913(1972)I examined this piece and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, Ph.D.**032219** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!