Standing figure "tadep"

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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.

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Comparing literature

Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 238 Gebauer, Paul, Art of Cameroon, New York 1979, M 23

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