Wood
Cameroon grassfields, mid-20th century
Bamileke people
Standing, male figure with hands on stomach
Black brown, partly shiny patina with and remains of white paint
Mounting
Height: 89 cm
Good condition

This decorative ‘lefem’ wooden figure is from the Bamileke who live in the Cameroon grassfields. The standing male figure is holding his hands at his stomach while looking friendly to the viewer. This portrait sculpture depicts a king. It was common for the kings of Bamileke, as well as the kings of Bangwa, to manufacture figurines of themselves and the mother of their first son. The figurines were exhibited in the palace.

The African wooden figure is in good condition with signs of age and wear. The feet are missing and there is a hole in the head. Furthermore, there are partially chipping of the wood on the side and in the genital area visible. The height of the figure measures in 89 cm. (bal)



Literature:

J. Zwernemann, W. Lohse, Aus Afrika, Hamburgisches Museum für Völkerkunde 1985, p. 131.

K. F. Schädler, Afrikanische Kunst, Heyne T, p. 208.

K. Volprecht, Sammlung Clausmeyer-Afrika. fig. 96, ed. Museum Ludwig, Afrikanische Skulptur.

Die Erfindung der Figur, Köln 1990, p. 15.

P. Harter, Arts anciens du Cameroun, Arnouville 1986, p. 62.

B. v. Lintig, Die bildende Kunst der Bangwa - Werkstatt-Traditionen und Künstlerhandschriften, p. 275/fig. 138.

Carl Haenlein, KilengiI - Afrikanische Skulpturen aus der Bareiss-Sammlung. p. 299.

Hans-Joachim Koloss, Afrika - Kunst und Kultur, Prestel 1999, fig. 82 f.

Maria Kecske'si, Kunst aus Afrika, fig. 76, Museum für Völkerkunde München, Prestel 1999.

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