Description:

Central Africa, Cameroon/Gabon/Equatorial Guinea, Fang people (also Fan or Pahouin), ca. early 20th century CE. A rare and beautifully patinated example of a byeri, a reliquary figure with an abstract anthropomorphic form - an elongated head and columnar body, with simple facial features and the arms folded in front of the stomach, which has a prominent belly button, perhaps implying pregnancy. Ethnologists believe figures such as this one were boiled in a soup for medicinal purposes which explains the varied patina. Byeri were designed to be protective figures. Size: 1.55" W x 6.55" H (3.9 cm x 16.6 cm); 10.8" H (27.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Native Auctions, January 2016, Lot #48.; ex. Lars Bethge, Europe, and documented in Yale Archive of African Art, Object 0128595

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#155730

  • Condition: Small, deliberate opening in top of head. Lower legs have some small losses and very limited areas of inactive insect wear. Surface is weathered but features and form are well preserved. Rich patina.

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February 25, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

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