Final answer:
The Reliquary Figure in Southern Cameroon is primarily made of wood and iron. Reliquary figures vary in materials and design, with some, like the Reliquary of Saint Foy, being adorned with precious materials such as gold and jewels over a wooden core. The practice of using spolia can connect such works to historical empires and their artifacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Reliquary Figure in Southern Cameroon is primarily made of wood and iron. Reliquary figures, such as the one described from Southern Cameroon, are part of a rich tradition of African art in which sacred objects are housed within crafted figures. It should be noted, however, that reliquary figures can vary greatly in terms of materials and design depending on their cultural origins and historical context.
For instance, the renowned Reliquary of Saint Foy is an opulent work encrusted with gold, silver gilt, jewels, and cameos over a wooden core, highlighting the practice of using precious materials to venerate sacred relics. Another example provided is a Tang dynasty reliquary made of gilt bronze, showcasing the diverse materials and forms reliquaries can take.
When examining early tomb artifacts, wood was the most common material used for small carvings and models, though many of these have been lost to decay over time. The use of spolia, or repurposed materials from previous works, also adds historical value and reverence to such pieces, as seen in the Reliquary of Saint Foy, where spolia connected the work to the riches of the Roman Empire.