Photographs © Tim Hamill
BANGWA, MEMORIAL FIGURE 3, 19", $400, Cameroon
Memorial figures were carved of titled royalty. 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 priests of the earth cult and were displayed lining the verandas of royal residences. The male figures, numbers 3, 4 and 5, would be displayed at meetings of the Kwifoyn, or regulatory society.
RETURN TO BANGWA MEMORIAL FIGURES PAGE
RETURN TO GRASSLANDS EXHIBITION PAGE
RETURN TO AFRICAN FIGURES PAGE
[RETURN TO HOME PAGE] [CONTACT GALLERY] [ORDERING] [HYPERLINKS]