Standing male ancestor figure · Cameroun, Mambila · ID: 3035436
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Provenance
collected in situHelmut Zimmer, Zurich, Switzerland (1973)
Swiss Private Collection
Description
light brown wood, dark brown patina, remains of pigments, typical form, surface marked by insect caused damage, dam., missing parts (forearms, foot tips), cracks, socle;
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.