The Fang byeri cult existed to honor a family's ancestors and ask for their help. This was done by remembering names and deeds and by keeping physical relics in a barkwood box guarded by an attached, carved wooden head or figure.

This head was not an individual portrait but an idealized representation with a prominent forehead, open relentless gaze, small mouth and older style hairdo or wig. The characteristic shine results from frequent rubbing with tree oil.

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