Okak Style Fang Reliquary

ITEM NAME:
Okak Style Fang Reliquery Figure
ITEM #:
40098
ETHNICITY:
Fang
ORIGIN:
Gabon
MEDIUM:
Wood, Pigment.
DIMENSIONS:
25″ (63.5 cm) Tall.
CONDITION:
Good considering age, old arm damage with original repair, chips to feet, but it will stand.

PROVENANCE:
Private Estate Collection – Florida, USA.

CATALOGUE NOTE:
The Spiritual Crest of History and Harmony
Steeped in tradition, the artistic creations of the Fang peoples reach into the heart of communal unity and historical continuity. Central to their spiritual life is the Bieri – an ancestral cult fostering a profound connection between the Fang community and the echoes of their ancestry.
Guardians of Ancestors
Nestling the precious remnants of revered ancestors, bark containers are crowned with magnificent wooden figures. These figures are the stalwart sentinels, safeguarding the relics from the unpermitted gaze of the uninitiated, embodying a serene composure, spirited resilience, and the harmonious juxtaposition of life’s dualities – traits the Fang hold in high reverence.
The Okak Mastery
This exemplary Okak Style Fang Reliquary Figure, rooted in the southern soils of Mbini or the Valley of Utamb oni, manifests the masterful craftsmanship of The Okak – bearers of the Fang-Fang legacy. With realistic emphasis on the human form and marked facial expressions, each figure radiates a distinct presence.
Interludes of Influence
In close artistic dialogue with neighboring cultures, the Fang sculpture has interwoven the finesse of various groups, resulting in composite expressions that blend elements of Fang, Mabea, and Ntumu artistry.
Standing proudly on display, this Okak Style Fang Reliquary Figure is a testament to preserving African heritage. Its presence will excite collectors and enthusiasts to ponder the artful narrative of community, heritage, and artistic interconnection.