Large Bamileke beaded statue, Cameroon - Lot 3

Large Bamileke beaded statue, Cameroon This imposing and exceptional beaded statue stands 1.35 m tall. The Bamiléké, a sub-group of a larger tribe that also included the Bamoun and Tikar, excelled in the creation of multicolored beaded statues, a sign of prosperity and wealth, giving the royal object the brilliance that sets it apart from common objects. A basic structure is carved from wood and then covered with a lattice of pearls, the colors of which correspond to the various chiefdoms. Among the Bamilékés, as in other ethnic groups, art objects testified to their owner's position in the social hierarchy. Thus, the materials and shapes of objects varied according to social status. The Bamiléké king, also known as the Fon, guarantor of the fertility of the soil and the protection of his subjects, was not considered mortal. For this reason, his funeral was a joyous celebration, with the fon simply retiring physically but still watching over his people from his new home. 135 x 33 cm