Standing female figure ·  Cameroon, Mambila · ID: 3034494

Description

wood, partly encrusted patina, polychrome paint, oversized head with expressive facial features, typical detail: the zigzag-contour of the legs, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion, wooden socle;
in Fulani language Mambila means “humans”, while they call themselves “nor”. They had no kingship and no central power, but a village chief, who was supported by the so-called “mimin” society. They believed in the Maker, whom they used to call “nama” or “chang”, but a cult only existed for family ancestors. Most of their figures are representations of the deceased.

Comparing literature

Gebauer, Paul, Art of Cameroon, New York 1979, p. 213