Fang reliquary head - Gabon
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Tête de reliquaire Fang, a 36 cm tall wooden Fang reliquary head from Gabon, authentic and in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin: Gabon
Tribe name: Fang
Material: Wood
Dimension: 36 cm
Shipping method: Colissimo within 24-48h, please open.
Fang reliquary head.
This piece consists of a carved head surmounting a long cylindrical neck, which is fixed to a massive cylindrical wooden base. The base features two rectangular holes at its base, typical of this type of reliquaries which were often mounted on baskets containing the bones of ancestors.
Face and features: The nose is fine and straight, while the mouth is represented by full, protruding lips, creating a serene yet powerful expression.
Hairstyle and ornaments: The head is topped with a helmet-like or crest-like imposing headdress that frames the face. Geometric carved details are visible at the crown of the forehead, below the hairline.
Materials: The whole piece is made of carved wood, with a surface treatment difference between the face, dark, almost polished, and the rest of the piece which has a rougher, older wood texture, reflecting its ritual use.
These bieri reliquary figures were revered by the Fang people (originating from Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon) to honor the ancestors and protect family lineages.
Would you like to know more about the ritual function of these objects in Fang culture?
Origin: Gabon
Tribe name: Fang
Material: Wood
Dimension: 36 cm
Shipping method: Colissimo within 24-48h, please open.
Fang reliquary head.
This piece consists of a carved head surmounting a long cylindrical neck, which is fixed to a massive cylindrical wooden base. The base features two rectangular holes at its base, typical of this type of reliquaries which were often mounted on baskets containing the bones of ancestors.
Face and features: The nose is fine and straight, while the mouth is represented by full, protruding lips, creating a serene yet powerful expression.
Hairstyle and ornaments: The head is topped with a helmet-like or crest-like imposing headdress that frames the face. Geometric carved details are visible at the crown of the forehead, below the hairline.
Materials: The whole piece is made of carved wood, with a surface treatment difference between the face, dark, almost polished, and the rest of the piece which has a rougher, older wood texture, reflecting its ritual use.
These bieri reliquary figures were revered by the Fang people (originating from Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon) to honor the ancestors and protect family lineages.
Would you like to know more about the ritual function of these objects in Fang culture?
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Gabon
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Fang reliquary head
Height
36 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
