Zemanek-Münster

Standing male ancestor figure

Cameroon, Mambila
not available anymore
Provenance
collected in situ
Helmut Zimmer, Zurich, Switzerland (1973)
Swiss Private Collection
Size
H: 43 cm
H: 16.9 inch

Description

light brown wood, dark brown patina, remains of pigments, typical form, surface marked by insect caused damage, dam., missing parts (forearms, foot tips), cracks, 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.


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