Guardià de reliquiari, eyema byeri

The reliquary guardian figures (or byeri) share characteristic traits, such as body proportions, concave heart-shaped faces and highlighted eyes. Of particular note are the hairstyles and adorn-ments, which are particular to the Fang people. A dowel below the buttocks was used to attach the figures to the box where their ancestors' relics were kept. Despite these common traits, some small regional variations in style have been observed. those produced by the northern groups, such as the Mvai, stand out for their elongated trunks, slim members and medium-sized heads.