Photographs © Tim Hamill
BANGWA, QUEEN MEMORIAL FIGURE 1, 26.5", $1500, Cameroon
Memorial figures were carved of titled royal wives or princesses, and are often refered to as Bangwa Queens. Their royal status was defined by their collars, necklaces, loin strings and anklets and are usually depicted dancing and singing as at a funeral for a king. They were also honored as priestesses of the earth cult and were displayed lining the verandas of royal residences. The male figures, numbers 3, 4 and 5, were their partners and would be displayed at meetings of the Kwifoyn, or regulatory society.
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