Statue of Ancestor Benga - Equatorial Guinea
06
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Current bid
€ 55
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Description from the seller
Origin. Equatorial Guinea
Tribe name. Fang
Material. Wood
Dimension. 52 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This decorative statue is a fascinating example of Central African art, more precisely of the stylistic complex of the Fang peoples (and their Benga neighbors) located between Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.
It is a reliquary figure, often called Eyema Byeri (or Bieri). Contrary to common belief, these statues are not idols to be worshipped, but guardians. They were placed on top of bark containers containing the bones of prestigious ancestors to protect the contents from malevolent forces and the gaze of the uninitiated.
The Fang aesthetic is famous for the balance between tension and serenity.
The Head: It features a high, rounded forehead, with a coiffure sculpted in points or a headdress (often associated with the ngumba or Benga style). Almond-shaped eyes and a slightly open mouth showing the teeth are typical, suggesting a vigilant and powerful attitude.
The Body: The statue presents a compact and muscular form. There is an emphasis on perfect symmetry. The torso is elongated, with arms detached from the body and hands joined in front of the sternum, often holding a vessel or ritual object (sometimes a horn).
A major characteristic of Fang art is the fusion of infant and adult traits:
The broad forehead and short limbs recall a infant.
The musculature, pronounced genitals, and facial features evoke a mature adult.
This duality symbolizes the life cycle and the permanent link between ancestors (the past) and descendants (the future).
Origin. Equatorial Guinea
Tribe name. Fang
Material. Wood
Dimension. 52 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This decorative statue is a fascinating example of Central African art, more precisely of the stylistic complex of the Fang peoples (and their Benga neighbors) located between Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.
It is a reliquary figure, often called Eyema Byeri (or Bieri). Contrary to common belief, these statues are not idols to be worshipped, but guardians. They were placed on top of bark containers containing the bones of prestigious ancestors to protect the contents from malevolent forces and the gaze of the uninitiated.
The Fang aesthetic is famous for the balance between tension and serenity.
The Head: It features a high, rounded forehead, with a coiffure sculpted in points or a headdress (often associated with the ngumba or Benga style). Almond-shaped eyes and a slightly open mouth showing the teeth are typical, suggesting a vigilant and powerful attitude.
The Body: The statue presents a compact and muscular form. There is an emphasis on perfect symmetry. The torso is elongated, with arms detached from the body and hands joined in front of the sternum, often holding a vessel or ritual object (sometimes a horn).
A major characteristic of Fang art is the fusion of infant and adult traits:
The broad forehead and short limbs recall a infant.
The musculature, pronounced genitals, and facial features evoke a mature adult.
This duality symbolizes the life cycle and the permanent link between ancestors (the past) and descendants (the future).
Details
Country of Origin
Equatorial Guinea
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Statue of Ancestor Benga
Height
52 cm
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