Standing figure "tadep"
Cameroon, Mambila
n'est plus disponible
Provenance
Philippe Guimiot, Brussels, Belgium (1970’s)Jean-Pierre Jernander, Brussels, Belgium
Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels, Belgium
Taille
H: 53,5 cm
H: 21.1 inch
Description
wood, encrusted blackish brown patina, red and white pigment, concave vaulted diamond-shaped face, painted with signs and emblems, slightly dam., cracks (back), insect caused missing parts (leg zone), abrasion of paint, 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.