A Rare Old Fang Byeri Cult Idol Head Ex Dr. Mandelbaum
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Description
A very rare Old carved wooden reliquary head from the Byeri Cult of the Fang peoples, Gabon, Africa. Among the fang peoples figurative sculptures were produced for the ancestor cult, or "Byeri," which were designed to compliment reliquary containers. Such works were stylized ancestral representations which were worshiped through the relics preserved in the attached container, the heads acting as guardians of the relics. This is certainly one of the most intriguing examples we have ever handled, showing weathering and wear and a undeniable sense of age. The head measures 12 inches tall ( 15.5 inches on professional custom display stand.) Provenance: Ex. Sol and Josephine Levitt, NY. Ex. Dr. Robert A. Mandelbaum, Brooklyn, NY. **An old handwritten tape tag on the bottom names the previous owner as "Dr. Mandelbaum", undoubtedly a reference to Dr. Robert A. Mandelbaum, an early Brooklyn, NY collector.
Condition
Weathered and worn, fair condition, losses to coiffure, decayed top
Buyer's Premium
- 20%
A Rare Old Fang Byeri Cult Idol Head Ex Dr. Mandelbaum
Estimate $2,000 - $4,000
21 bidders are watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Quakertown, PA, usOffers In-House Shipping
Local Pickup Available
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