African Fine Arts - AFRICAN-ART

Fang Figure # 2 - Gabon
Fang guardian figures such as this fine example were placed on top of a Byeri, or reliquary box, in which the bones of famous ancestors were kept. It was used during the So initiation ceremonies for young men. The figure was removed from the Byeri and paraded around. However, from the 1920's on, these customs were abandoned. This southern Fang figure is believed to be of the Betsi Nazman sub-style with its rich oily patina, large rounded head with a triangular nose, well defined coiffure, and shortened arms resting on the naval.