Fang Reliquary Guardian Figure (Eyema-o-Byeri) byeri suggesting their role as offerings

suggesting their role as offerings to honor the deceased and perhaps guide them into the afterlife

Un "Village des Morts" à Bura en Republique du Niger'

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Accession Number: 38

Fang Reliquary Guardian Figure (Eyema-o-Byeri) byeri suggesting their role as offeringsFang people, early 20th century, Cameroon or Northern Gabon, Central Africa Magnificent old male ancestor figure, eyema o byeri (also biyema biyeri or nlo byeri), carved from a single piece of hardwood and originally mounted atop a cylindrical bark reliquary. Shown in a lightly flexed stance, the figure subtly shifts its weight to the proper right, a remnant of its earlier conception as a seated formevident in the abbreviated, powerful thighs