Fang reliquary head - Gabon
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 190 - € 210
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Tête de reliquaire Fang from Gabon, carved in wood, 36 cm high, dating to the late 20th century, in good condition, not sold with a stand.
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.
Decorative Fang reliquary head.
This piece consists of a carved head perched atop a long cylindrical neck, which is mounted on a heavy, cylindrical wooden base. The base features two rectangular perforations at its bottom, typical of this type of reliquaries which were often fixed to 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 adornments: The head is topped with a helmet-like crest or imposing crest that frames the face. Geometric engraved details are visible at the top of the forehead, beneath the hairline.
Materials: The piece is made of carved wood, with a difference in surface treatment between the dark, almost polished face and the rest of the piece, which shows a rougher, older wood texture, bearing witness to its ritual use.
These Bieri reliquary figures were revered by the Fang people (originating from Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon) to honor ancestors and protect family lineages.
Would you like to learn 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.
Decorative Fang reliquary head.
This piece consists of a carved head perched atop a long cylindrical neck, which is mounted on a heavy, cylindrical wooden base. The base features two rectangular perforations at its bottom, typical of this type of reliquaries which were often fixed to 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 adornments: The head is topped with a helmet-like crest or imposing crest that frames the face. Geometric engraved details are visible at the top of the forehead, beneath the hairline.
Materials: The piece is made of carved wood, with a difference in surface treatment between the dark, almost polished face and the rest of the piece, which shows a rougher, older wood texture, bearing witness to its ritual use.
These Bieri reliquary figures were revered by the Fang people (originating from Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon) to honor ancestors and protect family lineages.
Would you like to learn more about the ritual function of these objects in Fang culture?
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Gabon
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Fang reliquary head
Height
36 cm
Sold by
