Complete "bieri": Receptacle and guardian figure
Gabon, Fang
sold
EUR 6,000
Provenance
Collection Chabin, Clermont Ferrand, FranceKünzi, Oensingen, Switzerland
Swiss Private Collection
Size
H: 11 cm (box), 16 cm (figure)
H: 4.3 inch (box), 6.3 inch (figure)
Description
bark box with black patina and heavy content, surmounted by a small sitting guardian figure from wood with a beautiful light brown used patina, remains of black pigment and metal eyes, the figure is plugged into the lid and is provided with drilled holes below arms, lid and bottom of the receptacle made from wood, both slightly dam.;
according to Schädler presumably from Northern Gabon, Ntoumou style (compare Perrois, 1979, 67 ff.).
Mr. Chabin bought the “bieri” in 1931 from a former forest officer who worked in Gabon. The piece was in his possession until 1983, when he dissolved his collection for reasons of age.