Standing female figure ·  Cameroon, Mambila · ID: 3036925

Description

wood, partly encrusted dark brown patina, remains of pigments, heart-shaped facial plane with big eyes and open mouth, rep. (breakage left arm, right foot, head), small missing parts, cracks, base;
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