Altar figure - Fang - Gabon

Among the Fang, established mainly in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, the ancestor cult occupies a central place in social and spiritual life. This cult, founded on the belief in a continuity between the living and the dead, revolves around rituals, offerings and the veneration of sacred objects, such as the byeri reliquaries. These bark- or wood-boxes, housing the bones of the ancestors, are regarded as receptacles of their protective power and their wisdom.
The Fang perceive the ancestors as mediators between the visible and invisible worlds, capable of influencing the group's fertility, health or prosperity. The ceremonies, often led by initiates, include dances, songs and sacrifices to honor these spirits. The ngil masks, though less frequent, also play a role in these rituals, embodying the authority of the ancestors.
This cult, far from being merely a tradition, structures collective identity and reinforces family cohesion. It illustrates the ongoing quest for balance between memory, spirituality and communal life among the Fang.

Presentation of our house of expertise

Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sales specializes in African art and ethnography. A well-established seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a history of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with private individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with many sales offered without reserve.

Some pieces we have handled have joined private international collections and, for some, museum institutions.

Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.