The cultural region encompassing the Gabonese Republic, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Southern Cameroon and the West of the Republic of Congo at the heart of Atlantic Equatorial Africa is one of great sculptural tradition. The expertise of Fang, Kota, Tsogo and Punu artists when it comes to plastics is notably showcased in a form of religious sculpture linked to the Cult of Ancestors and spirit masks. These types of major arts played a key role in shaping the modern perspective in the West when they were discovered in the early 20th century by artists such as Picasso, Derain and Braque.

The exhibition offers a detailed insight into the main styles showcased in a selection of symbolic - and often unique - works from major public and private collections in a "classic" approach to art history. It provides an opportunity not only to explore the similarities and transformations between and the defining features of the art produced by the various populations that live within this extensive area that has been shaped by migration, but also, in short, to uncover the creativity and extraordinary originality of the art produced by each of the populations living within the Atlantic Equatorial forest.

The exhibition In their native forests. Arts of Atlantic Equatorial Africa benefits from exceptional loans by Musée Barbier-Mueller and Musée Dapper.