Statue of Ancestor Benga - Equatorial Guinea
04
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04
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05
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53
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Starting bid
€ 1
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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 a common belief, these statues are not idols to be worshipped, but guardians. They were placed atop shell boxes containing the bones of prestigious ancestors to protect their contents from malicious forces and from uninitiated eyes.
The Fang aesthetic is famous for its balance between tension and serenity.
Head: It features a high, rounded forehead, with a coiffure sculpted into 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 demeanor.
Body: The statue presents a compact, muscular form. A pursuit of perfect symmetry is evident. The trunk is elongated, with arms released 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 large forehead and short limbs recall a infant.
The musculature, marked genitals, and facial features evoke a mature adult.
This duality symbolizes the cycle of life 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 a common belief, these statues are not idols to be worshipped, but guardians. They were placed atop shell boxes containing the bones of prestigious ancestors to protect their contents from malicious forces and from uninitiated eyes.
The Fang aesthetic is famous for its balance between tension and serenity.
Head: It features a high, rounded forehead, with a coiffure sculpted into 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 demeanor.
Body: The statue presents a compact, muscular form. A pursuit of perfect symmetry is evident. The trunk is elongated, with arms released 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 large forehead and short limbs recall a infant.
The musculature, marked genitals, and facial features evoke a mature adult.
This duality symbolizes the cycle of life 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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