Fang Reliquary Container (Byeri) stonetools The precise arrangement of seeds

The precise arrangement of seeds and gossypol glands in these illustrations reflects the deep botanical knowledge of these ancient cultures

and the female nurturing a cub

or wool fibers into yarn

decoration and design became more refined

Textiles played a profound symbolic role in Chancay society

Fang Reliquary Container (Byeri) stonetools The precise arrangement of seedsFang people, mid 20th century, Cameroon or Northern Gabon, Central Africa Fascinating bark reliquary container paired with a possibly later added and modeled wooden figure, eyema o byeri (also biyema biyeri or nlo byeri), representing an honored Fang ancestor. The container itself is of older origin, while the small guardian figure appears to have been attached at a subsequent dateyet still following the traditional byeri aesthetic and ritual purpose.