Object Record
Images
Additional Images [3]
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2021.005.029 |
Object Name |
Sculpture |
Description |
The three-dimensional standing female figure is wood covered in white beads. The beads on the face, breasts, and hands are painted green. The eyes and lips are painted a darker green. The body's beads are painted brown. Beaded necklaces or sashes hang sideways on the body. The figure's hands rest on her belly. This figure is likely a royal female prestige or ancestor figure from the west coast of Africa, probably Cameroon. These statues refer to fertility as well as power and combativeness, depending on who is being commemorated. Viewed as prestigious pieces, representing and commemorating kings, queens, princesses, and titled servants, as well as parents of twins, they were arranged in pairs alongside the royal throne at certain ceremonies and notable meetings. Among the Bamiléké, as in other ethnic groups, works of art testified to their owner's place in society. The materials and shapes of the objects varied according to social status and made it possible to identify the chiefdom from which they came. Special thanks to Dr. Althia Ali for researching this artifact alongside Reece Museum staff. This research was made possible by the Luce Foundation. |
Artist |
Artist Once Known |
Collection |
Sammie L. Nicely Collection |
Place of Origin |
Africa/Cameroon |
Material |
seeds and beads sewn on a raffia canvas, wood |
Subjects |
International Art |
Other Name |
Bangwa Statue |
Search Terms |
sacred |