Question

What is the purpose of the Bieri Reliquary Figure in Fang Culture, Gabon, 20th Century?

1) To serve as protectors of the spirits from evil
2) To portray the deceased individual
3) To hold the skulls and long bones of ancestors
4) To represent the sacred bones

Answer 1

3) To hold the skulls and long bones of ancestors.

The Bieri Reliquary Figure in Fang Culture is meant for the commemoration of ancestors, holding important relics such as skulls and long bones, and serving as a protectant for the spirits. These figures were part of broader religious and social practices within the Fang community, akin to other cultural practices of veneration found globally.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Bieri Reliquary Figure in Fang Culture from Gabon, primarily serves the purpose of commemorating deceased ancestors and acts as a protector of the spirits against evil. These figures often hold important ancestral relics such as skulls and long bones, serving as a protective container and a focal point for ancestral worship. The Fang people traditionally used these figures as a means of preserving and worshiping their male ancestors, but studies have revealed that they also honored female and child ancestors in this way. The figures often carry intricate carvings and were part of a larger practice that served not just religious but also social and cultural purposes within the Fang communities.

Furthermore, similar practices can be seen in other cultures, as evidenced by the collection of reliquaries and funerary objects found worldwide. For example, funerary statues like the Kongo female figures commemorated the deceased and their accomplishments. Likewise, reliquaries such as the Reliquary of Saint Foy held sacred relics and were often lavishly decorated to honor the spiritual significance of the relics within.