Statuetta(e) - Legno, Rame - byeri - fang - Gabon

Representation of an ancestor topping a Receptacle for bones.
The eyes are made of tapestry nails, it presents a repair with copper or brass plate.
Ancient damage caused by xylophagous insects (have a look at the pictures).

In my possession since 1980.

The “Byeri” ancestors’ cult, which initiation is based on the absorption of the Alan, a psychotropic plant, which covered the entire area invaded by the Fang who came from the north, in Gabon, this cult was combined with Christianity and with the traditional Bwiti of the native populations, which gave birth to the Fang Bwiti, currently widespread.

The style of the Fang Byeri evolved from the north to the south: it is quite naturalistic in the north (Cameroon), but while going further south, we can note a change of the head/body proportions, which become that of a child, whereas other features remain adult.

This statuette is typical of the Fang Mabea style, who live in Cameroon, near the border with Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.