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Description:
FANG EYEMA BEIRI MVAI RELIQUARY COUPLE Gabon, Hard-wood beads; Each Fang group has a distinctive carving style. This eyema bieri typifies the Mvai style, which is distinguished by a massive head that is one-third of the body, an elegant hairstyle with three triangular braided crests, and a robust, muscular body. Tiny shell eyes and bared teeth present a vigilant, threatening appearance. Eyema bieri guarded the skull and other bones of revered ancestors, which were kept in bark-wood boxes. The stem at the back of the figure was attached to the lid of the container. Appearing to be half-seated, the figure seems ready to defend the relics. Fang reliquary figure from South Cameroon to Gabon and continental Equatorial Guinea; The Fang people enshrined relics of important ancestors in containers surmounted by carved heads or figures that served as guardians. In times of trouble or transition, these reliquary figures called Bieri, were consulted for aid and protection. Often women were elevated to the rank of ancestor of the byeri (bieri), especially very prolific mothers who become true heads despite their sex. H. 56cm. 25.5"
| Status: No Longer Available |
Reference#: GBN10084 |
| Condition:
Excellent |
Year:
Unknown
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| Country:
Gabon |
Maker:
Unknown |
| Height:
25.5 in. (64.77 cm) |
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| Title:
FANG EYEMA BEIRI MVAI RELIQUARY COUPLE |
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| Materials:
Wood, Beads |
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