Photographs © Tim Hamill
BANGWA, MEMORIAL FIGURE 4, 25.5", $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.
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