Fang Reliquary Figure Gabon African Tribal Art
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Description
Standing 28 inches tall, this statue is of considerably stylized proportion and it impresses the viewers with a tranquilizing stance and meditative and facial expression. With a cylindrical neck that simply extends into the chest and torso, the emphasis was given by the artist to the head. A typical heart shape face with a broad forehead and arched eyebrow recalls the characteristics of a Fang mask. The arrowhead-shape nose leads to a slightly protrusive chin with horizontally rendered lips. The arms were given a curvy and fleshy shape, which hold a libation cup in front of the chest. The muscular legs are shortened and bent at the knee into a sitting position. Copper sheets were used to indicate the eyes, the three sacrifices located in the middle of forehead and the two forearms. A rich black patina is found throughout the statue.
Although the style of this statue appears to be of the Ntumu tribes, a subgroup of Fang spreads over the borders of three countries (Gabon, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea), it has clear influences from the neighboring subgroups of Fang as well. The usage of metal is found more common in Northern Ngumba tribes, which is located in southern Cameroon. The elaborate coiffure with three crests suggests an influence of MvaЇ tribes. This is conceivable given that Ntumu has a central locale among all Fang tribes, which underwent extensive regional interaction and migration, and that Ngumba and MvaЇ are adjacent to Ntumu to the north and east respectively.
All African art pieces were sold as decorative pieces. Your expertise is required to determine its age and whether it was a ritual objects. -
More Information
Origin: United States Period: 1900-1919 Materials: Wood and copper. Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Creation Date: Gabon, 20th Century. Styles / Movements: Tribal Incollect Reference #: 124168 -
Dimensions
W. 8 in; H. 28 in; D. 9 in; W. 20.32 cm; H. 71.12 cm; D. 22.86 cm;
Message from Seller:
Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion
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