Standing male figure ·  Cameroon Grassfields, Bamileke · ID: 3034183

Description

wood, dark brown patina, beaded necklace, red dyed band of fabric, body with bulging belly and accentuated male gender, slightly dam., minor missing parts (head, left foot tip), base;
small figurines had various functions. They served as protection for the wearer against evil in any form. They were also used as badges of membership in a sacred organization. Others functioned as emblems of officialdom, related to indigenous government. And some figurines did healing duties in the hands of local practitioners or should cause fertility.