Monumental Byeri ancestor head

Angokh-nlo-byeri
Type: head
Exhibits: Ancestor Cult
Tribes: Betsi group, Fang peoples
Location: Estuaire, north-west Gabon
Period: Mid 20th Century
Materials: Brass Discs, Wood
Sold
H: 
51.00cm
SKU: 
01

This magnificent head is among the most famous works of African Art. This Great Byeri is the largest of the known Fang heads which has been rendered on such monumental scale, and through such equilibrated curved lines. (L. Perrois, 2006, p.39).The huge circular eyes, applied by metallic disks, that in the original dimly lit hut, where the reliquaries were kept, probably gave the impression of menacing stare serving as the guardian of the sacra relics

 

Sources: 

LaGamma, Eternal Ancestors, 2007, p. 200; L. Perrois, Fang, 2006, p.39 pl.1

Monumental Byeri ancestor head
Monumental Byeri ancestor head
Monumental Byeri ancestor head