Fang Standing Figure with Beaded Eyes, Based

White eyes catch the light first. Then the rest of him appears.

Fang carvers of Cameroon, Central Africa, made this standing figure with beaded eyes in wood in the 20th century. Fang figures are commonly associated with ancestors and with guardianship of family relics. The body is rounded and compact, with a long forehead, a pale face and eyes set in white. Arms are bent over the chest, and a belt of small white beads circles the hips. The wood is a rich, oiled brown that is nearly black. It stands on a dark wooden block.

About 7.5 inches tall. Small, calm and watchful.