Standing figure "tadep" · Cameroon, Mambila · ID: 3041441
not available anymore
Provenance
Philippe Guimiot, Brussels, Belgium (1970’s)Jean-Pierre Jernander, Brussels, Belgium
Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels, Belgium
Size
H: 53,5 cm
H: 21.1 inch
Description
wood, encrusted blackish brown patina, red and white pigment, concave vaulted diamond-shaped face, painted with signs and emblems, slightly dam., cracks (back), insect caused missing parts (leg zone), abrasion of paint, base;
figures like this were commonly described as ancestor representations or guardian figures. Rather, it would appear to be a ritual object connected with a healing association called “suàgà”. The local name of such sculptures 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 Gebauer, Paul, Art of Cameroon, New York 1979, M 23