Lot 113B
Central Africa, Cameroon/Gabon/Equatorial Guinea, Fang people (also Fan or Pahouin), ca. mid-20th century CE. A rare and beautifully patinated example of a byeri, a reliquary figure of an abstract form. Enveloped in a rich hue of espresso, the stylized figure stands atop short, bent legs, featuring a columnar body, a projecting phallus, a distended abdomen, prominent pectoral muscles, strong shoulders, and muscular arms that bend at the elbow for his hands to rest together on his torso. His round head exhibits annular eyes with iron-inlay pupils, a triangular nose, a square jaw, and a wide mouth that turns down at the corners, all crowned by a pointed coiffure, and supported by a lengthy, tubular neck. 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: 3" W x 12" H (7.6 cm x 30.5 cm)
Provenance: private Jersey City, New Jersey, USA collection; ex-private Budrose collection, Marblehead, Massachusetts, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#169914
- Condition: Stable fissure to body. Perforations to verso. Chipping to feet and neck, as well as a few nicks and abrasions throughout. Modern adhesive on feet from previous display. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining pigment. Collection number inscribed on underside of posterior.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |