Fang Ntumu statue - Gabon

Origin. Gabon
Tribe name. Fang
Material. Wood, copper
Dimension. 54 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, open.

This Fang Ntumu decorative statuette is a remarkable example of Central African ritual art, more precisely from the northern region of Gabon or southern Cameroon. These reliquary figures, called eyema byeri, served as guardians for the bones of ancestors.
Here is a detailed description of its stylistic and material characteristics:
Morphology and Composition
The Head: It is voluminous and features a central crest hairstyle adorned with brass studs, typical of the Ntumu sub-style. The forehead is high and exposed, overlooking a prognathic chin-faced visage.
The Gaze: The eyes are represented by metal discs (brass), giving the statue a fixed, vigilant look appropriate to its guardian-reliquary function.
The Body: The silhouette is cylindrical and muscular, with arms drawn toward the chest holding a small vessel or ritual object in front of the breast. The shoulders are broad and rounded, while the navel is prominent, symbolizing lineage and the continuity of life.
The Posture: The statue is depicted in a seated or crouching position, with powerful yet short legs, ready for action.

Metal ornamentation: The use of brass studs on the headdress, around the neck, on the object held, and at the waist underscores the figure’s importance and prestige. The metal also served to ward off malevolent influences.