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Photographs © Tim Hamill
BANGWA, MEMORIAL FIGURES, 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, 5 and 10, were their partners and would be displayed at meetings of the Kwifoyn, or regulatory society.
Old Bangwa figures are rare. Despite their appearance, most of our figures show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.
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