Exceptionally beautiful and rare female ancestor figure

Description

wood, metal, base

This figure captivates us by its elegantly elongated body shapes, but above all by the unusual fineness and tenderness of face and body.

By means of the rudimentary remaining projection on the back, it can be assumed that the figure was once placed inserted into a bark box as a guard containing the skull of a revered ancestor. Most of the figures for the “byeri” cult represent male ancestors, but also women who had made special contributions, especially through the birth of many children, could be elevated to the rank of revered ancestors.

Publications

AHDRC: 0153478