Female Guardian Reliquary Figure (Byeri), 19th century, Wood, brass, palm oil, and fiber, 15 3/8 × 4 3/4 × 4 3/4 in. (39 × 12 × 12 cm), Byeri guardian figures were originally attached to a cylindrical bark receptacle containing up to ten skulls assembled by several generations of a family. Referred to as child of medicine, they received regular offerings. Many byeri display a bold gaze with an intensity suggesting vigilance, possibly meant to discourage women and children from approaching the sacred remains. Palm oil, lavishly applied to the surface, continues to saturate the wood

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Size: 3448px × 4992px
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Photo credit: © Artokoloro / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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