West Africa, Cameroon, Grasslands, Bamum or Bamileke, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A fine example of an ornate tobacco pipe made from pottery, wood, and a metal mouth stem. We usually only see the pottery bowls, so a full pipe is a great find! The end receptacle bowl is molded from clay into a face with a flared headdress. The carved wood is deeply etched with abstract motifs, inserts into the pottery bowl, and a slender metal mouthpiece protrudes from the tip. The entire pipe has achieved a rich patina from use! Smoking tobacco was customary in Cameroon, both men and women carried pipes and tobacco to use throughout the day and rulers would smoke ornate pipes such as these to stay awake during tedious court sessions and affairs! Size: 17" L x 2" W x 5" H (43.2 cm x 5.1 cm x 12.7 cm); 11.25" H (28.6 cm) on included custom stand.

The artistic evolution reflects influences from traditional motifs, fashion, and historical events, depicting soldiers, judges, or rulers to mirror changing political landscapes. The pipes serve as status symbols, indicating social rank, with different designs for commoners, royalty, and ceremonial occasions.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private European collection

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#184362

Stable pressure fissure radiating along the wood. Missing loss to whatever cord or ornament tied around the groove between wood and pottery. Mineral deposits throughout. Overall great condition.