African Arts Gallery

Ex-Dutch collection of African art. African statues Fang within African art linked to the cult of Byeri.
This African sculpture, intended to be placed on a reliquary basket, is distinguished by its severe face and powerful morphology. A star crest caps the head. The hands rest on the bent knees. Brown patina. Cracks and abrasions.
The boxes containing the relics of illustrious ancestors were guarded by the oldest man in the village, the “esa”. Topped with a statue or head which acted as guardian of the “byeri” boxes, they were stored in a dark corner of the hut, supposed to divert evil influences towards someone else. Samples were also taken from the figures for therapeutic purposes. They were also used during initiation ceremonies for young people linked to the "So" society. During festivals, the statues were separated from their boxes and carried on parade.