Figure féminine debout "tadep" ·  Cameroun, Mambila · ID: 3043589

Description

wood, brown patina, slightly encrusted, remains of pigments, coiffure with wooden pegs, dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (feet, forelegs), fine cracks, traces of abrasion, base.
Figures like this were commonly described as ancestor representations or guardian figures. Rather, it would appear to be a ritual object connected with a healing association called “suàgà”. The local name of such sculptures would be “tadep”. Usually these were male-female pairs. Together with other “suàgà” paraphernalia, they were stored in granaries.

Publications

AHDRC: 0150583