duction. The reliquary figures play an important role in ancestor wor-
ship. Among both the Fang and the peoples scholars usually refer to as
Kota in neighboring areas, ancestor veneration takes material form as
collections of cranial and other bones (relics) gathered in special con-
tainers. These portable reliquaries were ideal for African nomadic
population groups such as the Fang and the Kota.
FANG BIERIStylized wooden human figures (FIG. 34-3), or in
some cases, simply heads protected the Fang relic containers. The
sculptors of these Fang guardian figures, or bieri,designed them to
sit on the edge of cylindrical bark boxes of ancestral bones, ensuring
that no harm would befall the ancestral spirits. The wood figures are
symmetrical, with proportions that greatly emphasize the head, and
they feature a rhythmic buildup of forms that suggests contained
power. Particularly striking are the proportions of the bodies of the
bieri, which resemble those of an infant, although the muscularity of
the figures implies an adult. Scholars believe the sculptor chose this
combination of traits to suggest the cycle of life, appropriate for an
art form connected with the cult of ancestors.19th Century 89134-2Stock raid with cattle, horses, encampment, and magical “rain animal,” rock
painting (two details), San, Bamboo Mountain, South Africa, mid-19th century.
Pigments on rock, full painting 8long. Natal Museum, Pietermaritzburg.
Rock paintings are among the most ancient arts in Africa, and the tradition continued
into the 19th century. This example depicts events of 1838–1848 and San rainmaking
rituals in South Africa.
34-3Reliquary guardian figure (bieri), Fang, Gabon,
late 19th century. Wood, 1 83 – 8 high. Philadelphia
Museum of Art, Philadelphia.
Fang bieri guard cylindrical bark boxes of ancestor bones
(reliquaries). The figures have the bodies of infants and
the muscularity of adults, a combination of traits sug-
gesting the cycle of life.1 in.