African Tribal Art - Fang Ntumu Du Byeri Ancestor Figure

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

This African sculpture illustrates Ntumu style statuary from the regions between Gabon, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Featuring a glossy black patina and eroded areas, it demonstrates the distinctive artistic heritage of this region. Among the Fang of Cameroon and Gabon, each family has a “Byeri” or reliquary box, intended to house the bones of the ancestors. These boxes were entrusted to the custody of the oldest man in the village, the “esa”. Topped with a statue or head acting as guardian, the “byeri” boxes were carefully kept in a dark corner of the hut. Their role was to divert evil influences towards other individuals. In addition, they were used during initiation ceremonies for young people affiliated with the "So" society. During the festivities, the statues were separated from their boxes and paraded in parade, held by the posterior peduncle. The Fang ethnic group, stretching from Yaoundé in Cameroon to Ogooué in Gabon, has never formed a unified political unit. Clan cohesion was maintained through religious and judicial associations such as the "so" and the "ngil".

Item accompanied by its certificate of authenticity. PS: what does the certificate of authenticity consist of?: https://www.african-arts-gallery.com/faq.aspx?qid=8

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