
Description
Memorial figures were carved of titled royal wives or princesses, and are often refered to as Bangwa Queens. They were honored as priestesses of the earth cult and were displayed lining the verandas of royal residences.
The fwa would commission this type of statue from the sculptor deemed the most skilful in the kingdom. Known as Lefem, these statues are royal portraits associated with a particular sovereign, member of the royal family or member of a sovereign’s circle (queens and queen mothers, princesses, favourite spouses, mothers of twins or especially devoted dignitaries). Lefem statues are also tied to the secret society of the same name, referred to under the term gong society.
Enormous Bangwa figure, total length: 138 cm! Total weight: 17 kg!
Good condition with traces of tribal use.
Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm (Germany).
Please contact first before order; due to the size of the item, higher shipping costs may apply
Object: Memorial Figure
Ethnic group/ culture: Bangwa
Region/ country: Cameroon
Material: Wood
Period: Mid 20th century
Condition: Good
Dimensions: 138×30×20 cm
Weight: 17 kg
Reserve: $500.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $295.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from The Netherlands
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
The fwa would commission this type of statue from the sculptor deemed the most skilful in the kingdom. Known as Lefem, these statues are royal portraits associated with a particular sovereign, member of the royal family or member of a sovereign’s circle (queens and queen mothers, princesses, favourite spouses, mothers of twins or especially devoted dignitaries). Lefem statues are also tied to the secret society of the same name, referred to under the term gong society.
Enormous Bangwa figure, total length: 138 cm! Total weight: 17 kg!
Good condition with traces of tribal use.
Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm (Germany).
Please contact first before order; due to the size of the item, higher shipping costs may apply
Object: Memorial Figure
Ethnic group/ culture: Bangwa
Region/ country: Cameroon
Material: Wood
Period: Mid 20th century
Condition: Good
Dimensions: 138×30×20 cm
Weight: 17 kg
Reserve: $500.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Memorial Figure – Wood – Bangwa – Cameroon
Estimate $600-$700
Starting Price
$240
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Decorative Tribal Art Sale
Feb 26, 2026 1:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
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