Standing male figure
Cameroon, Mambila
sold
EUR 1,100
Provenance
Eduard Hess, Basel, SwitzerlandSize
H: 49,5 cm
H: 19.5 inch
Description
wood, matt patina, remains of polychrome paint, heart-shaped facial plane with big eyes and open mouth, typical detail: the zigzag-contour of the legs, dam., cracks, traces of insect caused damage, base;
the Mambila 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.