Standing male ancestor figure · Cameroon, Mambila · ID: 3035436
Helmut Zimmer, Zurich, Switzerland (1973)
Swiss Private Collection
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.
The object Standing male ancestor figure with the object ID 3035436 was last part of the auction 74th tribal art auction at September 7, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 87.
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