Gabon. 1950 circa. Old Tribal Fang people Reliquary Head Figure. Decorated with brass ornaments. Extremely rare. 1 Kg. – 33x14x11 cm. The Fang people, also known as Fãn or Pahouin, are a Central African ethnic group found in Equatorial Guinea, northern Gabon, and southern Cameroon. One of the most popular art forms attributed to the Fang culture are the wooden reliquary heads, many of which contain the skull or bones of ancestors. There is a characteristic heart shaped, concave face with a large bulbous forehead. The heads are often tied to welfare and social power. Throughout Gabon, these figures serve as talisman or guardian to protect the remains of ancestors. Known as bieri, byeri or mwan bian, these reliquary figures widely range in style.