Gabon Statue Pair:: (Stat-Gab-002)

Statues from Gabon are often associated with the traditional art of the Fang people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Gabon. These statues are renowned for their striking, stylized forms and are often characterized by elongated features, simplified facial expressions, and intricate surface details. The Fang people have a rich tradition of carving wooden statues, which serve various cultural and spiritual purposes. These statues are often used in rituals, ceremonies, and as embodiments of spiritual entities or ancestors.One of the most famous types of statues from Gabon is the “Byeri” figure. Byeri figures are guardian figures that protect the ancestral relics stored in a container called the “Byeri box.” These figures typically feature elongated bodies, stylized facial features, and are often adorned with scarification marks, reflecting traditional Fang beauty standards. In addition to the Fang people, other ethnic groups in Gabon, such as the Kota, Punu, and Sango, also have their own distinct styles of sculptural art. Kota statues, for example, are known for their use of metal, particularly in the form of reliquary guardians that protect the bones of important ancestors.