BENGA VILLAGE, NORTH GABON
HEIGHT 44CM

Natural dark brown patina. This statue was for generations kept in the round house of the village elder in the village of Benga in northern Gabon. The round house in Fang tradition symbolises a place that connects man to God. Most Fang statues represent male figures, so this female representation must be of a very prominent and powerful female ancestor. Very good condition despite its age. The front part of the right foot is chipped off. Extremely unusual is the attention to the mouth, showing the tongue and delicately detailed carved teeth.