Fang reliquary head - Gabon
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Estimate € 170 - € 200
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TÊTE DE RELIQUAIRE FANG, a 26 cm wooden head from Gabon of the Fang people, dating to the late 20th century, in good condition and sold with a stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Gabon
Tribe name. Fang
Material. Wood
Dimension. 26 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This sculpture is a stylized and ancient representation of a head, characteristic of the Fang people’s art (region of Gabon, 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 whole statues) were fixed to the tops of the containers to watch over their contents and protect the remains from desecrators or malevolent influences.
Symbolism: It does not represent a specific individual, but the very essence of the ancestor, blending infantile traits (the swollen skull) and adults (the serenity of the face).
The object presents the Fang aesthetic codes:
The forehead: Large, high and arched, occupying a dominant place, symbolizing intelligence and spiritual power.
The eyes: Often represented by small circles or discs (sometimes in metal like brass, although here they seem carved or inlaid in a rudimentary way), they evoke an inner gaze or constant vigilance.
The mouth: Projecting forward (prognathism), here represented in a minimalist way, which emphasizes the expression of contemplation or the characteristic pout.
The patina: The wood shows a dark, oily patina. Traditionally, these objects were regularly oiled with palm oil or resins during rituals, which gives the wood this blackened, smooth, and sometimes 'sweating' appearance.
Material: Hard wood, aged with visible cracks (notably on the forehead and neck), which is common for pieces that have undergone changes in hygrometry.
Headdress: A sculpted hairstyle with a central crest or pressed braids is visible, a detail often very worked by the Fang to indicate social status.
Support: It is displayed on a modern black wooden collector’s base, underscoring its value as a gallery or museum art object.
In summary
This is a piece that exudes a strong focus. 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
Dimension. 26 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This sculpture is a stylized and ancient representation of a head, characteristic of the Fang people’s art (region of Gabon, 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 whole statues) were fixed to the tops of the containers to watch over their contents and protect the remains from desecrators or malevolent influences.
Symbolism: It does not represent a specific individual, but the very essence of the ancestor, blending infantile traits (the swollen skull) and adults (the serenity of the face).
The object presents the Fang aesthetic codes:
The forehead: Large, high and arched, occupying a dominant place, symbolizing intelligence and spiritual power.
The eyes: Often represented by small circles or discs (sometimes in metal like brass, although here they seem carved or inlaid in a rudimentary way), they evoke an inner gaze or constant vigilance.
The mouth: Projecting forward (prognathism), here represented in a minimalist way, which emphasizes the expression of contemplation or the characteristic pout.
The patina: The wood shows a dark, oily patina. Traditionally, these objects were regularly oiled with palm oil or resins during rituals, which gives the wood this blackened, smooth, and sometimes 'sweating' appearance.
Material: Hard wood, aged with visible cracks (notably on the forehead and neck), which is common for pieces that have undergone changes in hygrometry.
Headdress: A sculpted hairstyle with a central crest or pressed braids is visible, a detail often very worked by the Fang to indicate social status.
Support: It is displayed on a modern black wooden collector’s base, underscoring its value as a gallery or museum art object.
In summary
This is a piece that exudes a strong focus. 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
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Fang reliquary head
Height
26 cm
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