Fang Ntumu Reliquary Guardian Figure, Gabon

eyema byeri
height 14 1/2in (36.8cm)

Provenance
Galerie Alain de Monbrison, Paris
Aguedo Hernandez Herrero Collection, Mexico City
Thence by descent

This byeri sculpture is carved with overall rounded surfaces, seated upright with a straight back, the length of the torso almost double the heights of the head and lower portion from the hips. The spherical head with prominent bulging forehead and coiffure with large single crest, flaring out at the back; a bundle of African pied hornbill (Tockus fasciatus) feathers tied with fiber into the top. The heart-shaped face bordered by circular ears with the mouth slightly open and extending out beyond the line of the hands and feet below. The lack of eyes adds to the mysterious physical presence. The head rests firmly on a solid, long and cylindrical neck, ending at squared shoulders with rounded blades on the back. The muscular arms meet at the front at the chest above a slightly enlarged abdomen with extended umbilicus. The rounded hips are squared at the top, providing a platform for the torso. The legs below defined simply with large knees and rounded feet with incised toes. The posterior rostrum, once used to fix the sculpture to the relic box, has been cut down and serves as a rear support; dark brown/black patina with encrustations.