Half figure "tadep" · Cameroon, Mambila · ID: 3038303
Description
light wood, remains of brown patina, small traces of white and red pigment, characteristic physiognomy, the left hand up to the chin, coiffure with notched contour, deepening in the back (for insertion of magical substances), slightly dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, crack (back of the head), abrasion of paint, base;
figures like this were commonly described as ancestor representations. Rather, it would appear to be a ritual object connected with a healing association that was replaced in the recent past by the “suàgà”. The local name of such scultpures would be “tadep”. Usually these were male-female pairs. Together with other “suàgà” paraphernalia, they were stored in granaries.
Comparing literature
Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 238