Description: wood, black patina, metal, base The neck of this head was once partially inserted into the lid of a cylindrical bark container holding selected skull and skeletal remains of an honored ancestor. The heads should protect the earthly remains of the ancestor and should keep his spiritual powers within reach of his descendants. This box made of bark, together with a head (or figure) is called a "byeri" and served religious and magical purposes both within the family and in the ceremonies of society organizations. The "byeri" were spread before each ritualistic act with a mixture of palm oil and tree resin. Skull container and ancestor head (or figure) were sometimes placed in specially prepared sacred huts, but mostly they were simply left to stand in the corner of the owners hut. Continent: Africa
Dimensions: H: 23 cm, H: 9,1 inch
Condition Report: See description
Provenance: Gaston Durville (1887-1971), Paris, France American Collection, New York, USA Pierre J. Langlois, Lille, France Marceau Rivière, Paris, France Blanchet & Associés, Paris, 21 September 2004, Lot 252 Collection de Saint-Cyprien, Ville de Saint-Cyprien, France (2017)