Two pipes ·  Grassfields du Cameroun, Bamiléké / Bamum · ID: 3051616

Description

terracotta, metal, wood, a) with figural pipe bowl, h: 16.5 cm, 42 cm (with stem)
b) pipe bowl with bird beak and carved wooden stem, h: 16 cm, 50.5 cm (with stem), base

As regalia of Fons and title-holders, terracotta pipes were indispensable personal prestige items, cared for and carried after their owners by retainers, and displayed as status indicators on ceremonial occasions.