Anthropomorphic half figure
Cameroon, Kaka/Mambila/Mfumte
sold
EUR 3,000
Provenance
German Private Collection, collected in situ (1972-1979)Size
H: 56 cm
H: 22.0 inch
Description
wood, reddish brown patina, encrusted with black, white and red pigment, head without neck and long projecting chin, heart-shaped face with eyes, ears and mouth marked by deepenings, bulky body with free carved upper arms, dam., missing parts, cracks, traces of insect caused damage (right face half);
the Kaka live south of the Donga River in the Grassfields of Cameroon in direct neighbourhood to the Mambila settling in Nigeria. Little is known about the Kaka, or about the purpose of their highly expressive figures. They are placed in shrines and receive many sacrificial offerings (as can be seen from the patina) and protect against evil spirits and witchcraft.