Standing male figure ·  Cameroun, Mambila · ID: 3035241

Description

wood, dark brown patina, redwood powder, kaolin, heart-shaped facial plane with big eyes and open mouth, typical details: the zigzag-contour of the legs, the hands held up to the chin, min. dam., the surface structure marked by abrasion of paint and insect caused damage, small missing parts, fine 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.

Littérature comparée

Gebauer, Paul, Art of Cameroon, New York 1979, p. 213