Statue of Ancestor Tadep
Mambila · Cameroon
Reference: EMS-3
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- Height
- 29 cm
- Material
- Wood and pigments
Polychrome statuette, red eyes, mouth and belly. The prominent belly with thick and protruding sculpted scarifications, white face and triangular head, arched skull. Comb formed by…
Enquire about this objectFull original description
Polychrome statuette, red eyes, mouth and belly. The prominent belly with thick and protruding sculpted scarifications, white face and triangular head, arched skull. Comb formed by metallic inlays.
Like other African peoples, Mambila They believe that the happiness of humans depends on the intervention of the spirits of ancestors. These spirits, although idealized as beneficial forces and source of authority, may be subject to mood swings, which is why they must be appeased and made propitious by sacrifices and libations, so that they may bestow prosperity, health and fertility.
These statues are the tangible habitacles of the ancestors' spirits. They are made offerings and treated with medicinal substances to obtain the favors of the deceased.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Cameroon. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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