African Tribal Art - Fang Byeri Reliquary Statue

Ex-collection of French African tribal art, the name of this reputed collector will be communicated to the buyer.

Within the Fang, in Cameroon and Gabon, each family holds a “Byeri” or reliquary box, intended to house the bones of illustrious ancestors. Responsibility for looking after these boxes generally falls to the village elder, called the "esa". These reliquary boxes are topped with a statue or head which acts as guardian, bearing the name of the cult with which they are associated. They are carefully kept in a dark corner of the house and have the function of diverting evil influences towards other people. These “Byeri” boxes and statues also play an important role during the initiation ceremonies of young people affiliated to the “So” society. During the festivities, the statues are removed from their boxes and paraded in parade, held by the posterior peduncle. (Source: "Fang", Perrois)


Piece accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.
PS: What is the certificate of authenticity? https://www.african-arts-gallery.com/faq.aspx?qid=8

PLEASE NOTE THE PRICE OF TRANSPORT INCLUDES LOSS, THEFT, BROKENAGE INSURANCE.