Tribal Art

The African statues associated with the Byeri cult embody the ancestor of the clan acting as "guardians" of reliquaries.
Figured seated, wrists and shoulders encircled by wicker vines crossed behind the back , the subject offers classically prominent musculature. A fragment of a ritual mirror lines the bottom of a cup placed on the bust. Hollowed pupils indicate a trance state.
Heterogeneous oiled patina, abrasions, restoration and cracks from use.

Among the Fang of Cameroon and Gabon, each family has a "Byeri", or reliquary box, in which the bones of the ancestors are kept. These boxes were guarded by the oldest man in the village, the “esa”. The reliquary boxes were topped with a statue or head which acted as guardian of the “byeri” boxes. These were kept in a dark corner of the hut, and were intended to divert evil influences towards someone else. 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, held by the posterior peduncle.