Anthropomorphic dance crest "mbaing" · Cameroon, Ngambè-Tikar · ID: 3046648

Name: Anthropomorphic dance crest "mbaing"
SKU: 3046648
Availability: Discontinued

not available anymore

Provenance

German Private Collection (coll. in situ, 1972-75)

Size

H: 61 cm

H: 24.0 inch

Description

wood, red pigment, kaolin, plant fibre, fabric, cracks, base

A comparable dance crest, ex Jacques Kerchache (1969) was published by Claude Savary in 1978 (p.54, ill. 25). In 1983 it was auctioned as part of the famous Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Collection at Sotheby’s, London (AHDRC 0011137).

The “mbaing” masks are employed for the “nganga” dance during funerals. They are usually worn by a member of the chief’s family.

The head sculptures, rising from massive necks, are balanced on top of the head, whereby the wickerwork frame and the fabric upholstery on the ring-shaped base is intended to make it easier for the dancer to carry.

The object Anthropomorphic dance crest “mbaing” with the object ID 3046648 was last part of the auction 94th Tribal Art Auction at March 7, 2020 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 296.

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