Fang reliquary head - Gabon
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Origin. Gabon
Tribe name. Fang
Material. Wood
Size. 26 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h; open.
This sculpture is a stylized, ancient representation of a head, characteristic of Fang art (Gabon region, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon).
This head is probably a reliquary head, associated with the Byeri cult.
The Byeri cult: The Fang kept the bones of their ancestors in bark containers. These heads (or entire statues) were fixed to the tops of the containers to watch over the contents and protect the remains from profanation or malevolent influences.
Symbolism: It does not represent a specific individual, but the very essence of the ancestor, blending childish features (the domed skull) and adult features (the serenity of the face).
The object exhibits the classic codes of Fang aesthetics:
The forehead: Large, high, and domed, occupying a predominant place, symbolizing intelligence and spiritual power.
The eyes: Often represented by small circles or discs (sometimes metal like brass, though here they appear carved or inlaid in a rudimentary manner), they evoke an inner gaze or constant vigilance.
The mouth: Projected forward (prognathism), here depicted in a minimalist way, which emphasizes the expression of contemplation or a characteristic “moue.”
The patina: The wood has a dark, oily patina. Traditionally, these objects were regularly anointed with palm oil or resins during rituals, giving the wood this blackened, smooth, and sometimes “dripping” appearance.
Material: Hard wood, time-marked with visible cracks (notably on the forehead and neck), which is common for pieces that have undergone changes in humidity.
Headdress: One can discern a sculpted hairstyle with a central crest or braided locks, a detail often highly worked by the Fang to indicate social rank.
Support: It is presented on a modern black wooden collector’s pedestal, underscoring its value as a gallery or museum art piece.
In short
This is a piece that exudes a strong sense of concentration. Its formal simplicity — which greatly influenced modern artists such as Modigliani or Picasso in the early 20th century — makes it a fascinating example of Central African sculptural art.
Origin. Gabon
Tribe name. Fang
Material. Wood
Size. 26 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h; open.
This sculpture is a stylized, ancient representation of a head, characteristic of Fang art (Gabon region, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon).
This head is probably a reliquary head, associated with the Byeri cult.
The Byeri cult: The Fang kept the bones of their ancestors in bark containers. These heads (or entire statues) were fixed to the tops of the containers to watch over the contents and protect the remains from profanation or malevolent influences.
Symbolism: It does not represent a specific individual, but the very essence of the ancestor, blending childish features (the domed skull) and adult features (the serenity of the face).
The object exhibits the classic codes of Fang aesthetics:
The forehead: Large, high, and domed, occupying a predominant place, symbolizing intelligence and spiritual power.
The eyes: Often represented by small circles or discs (sometimes metal like brass, though here they appear carved or inlaid in a rudimentary manner), they evoke an inner gaze or constant vigilance.
The mouth: Projected forward (prognathism), here depicted in a minimalist way, which emphasizes the expression of contemplation or a characteristic “moue.”
The patina: The wood has a dark, oily patina. Traditionally, these objects were regularly anointed with palm oil or resins during rituals, giving the wood this blackened, smooth, and sometimes “dripping” appearance.
Material: Hard wood, time-marked with visible cracks (notably on the forehead and neck), which is common for pieces that have undergone changes in humidity.
Headdress: One can discern a sculpted hairstyle with a central crest or braided locks, a detail often highly worked by the Fang to indicate social rank.
Support: It is presented on a modern black wooden collector’s pedestal, underscoring its value as a gallery or museum art piece.
In short
This is a piece that exudes a strong sense of concentration. Its formal simplicity — which greatly influenced modern artists such as Modigliani or Picasso in the early 20th century — makes it a fascinating example of Central African sculptural art.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Gabon
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Fang reliquary head
Height
26 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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