Fang Reliquary Guardian Figure (Eyema-o-Byeri) byeri suggesting their role as offerings

suggesting their role as offerings to honor the deceased and perhaps guide them into the afterlife

located along the Yom River

Repaired mouth

including those of the Cypro-Archaic era

Fang Reliquary Guardian Figure (Eyema-o-Byeri) byeri suggesting their role as offeringsFang people, early 20th century, Cameroon or Northern Gabon, Central Africa Magnificent old male ancestor figure, eyema o byeri (also biyema biyeri or nlo byeri), carved from a single piece of hardwood and originally mounted atop a cylindrical bark reliquary. Shown in a lightly flexed stance, the figure subtly shifts its weight to the proper right, a remnant of its earlier conception as a seated formevident in the abbreviated, powerful thighs