Standing pair of figures · Cameroun, Mambila · ID: 3033877
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Provenance
Jacques de Vilmorin, Paris, FranceCornette 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.
Littérature comparée
Gebauer, Paul, Art of Cameroon, New York 1979, p. 213