Figure "tadep" of "suàgà" society
Nigeria / Cameroon, Mambilla / Mambila
sold
EUR 1,300
Provenance
Alain Dufour, Saint Maur, France (1970s)Size
H: 32 cm
H: 12.6 inch
Description
wood, base
Gebauer reports that these figures were placed at ancestral shrines where they had a protective function and were called “tadop” (Gebauer, 1979, M 28) or served the souls of departed ancestors.
More recent research suggests that they were ritually used for healing ceremonies by special associations, such as the “suàgà” society.
Comparing literature
Gebauer, Paul, Art of Cameroon, New York 1979, M 28Publications
Expo cat.: "Cameroun", Saint-Maur, Galerie Afrique & Galerie Kanem, 2016, Fig.40AHDRC: 0135880