Standing pair of figures · Cameroon, Mambila · ID: 3033877
Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris, “Collection Jacques Vilmorin et à diverse amateurs” 12. Apris 1999, Lot 87
Philippe Dodier, Avranches, France
Description
wood, slightly encrusted brown patina, red and white pigment remains, male/female figure, slightly dam., missing parts (foot tip of the female), cracks, slight traces of abrasion, on wooden base;
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. Aside they produced the well-known animal masks, protective objects and musical instruments.
The object Standing pair of figures with the object ID 3033877 was last part of the auction 71st tribal art auction at November 24, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 337.
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Comparing literature
Gebauer, Paul, Art of Cameroon, New York 1979, p. 213