Funerary Figure

Artist Bangwa peoples, Cameroon grassfields (Cameroonian)

CultureAfrican | Bangwa

DateEarly- to mid-20th century

MediumWood | Pigment

DimensionsOverall: 58 in. (147.3 cm)

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.2407

Collections

African Art

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 110

DescriptionFigure made of wood and pigment; made by the Bangwa, an ethnic group of the Cameroon Grasslands.

Label TextFunerary Figure Early- to mid-20th century Bangwa peoples, Cameroon grassfields Cameroon Wood Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2407 Among the Bangwa peoples of western Cameroon, portrait sculptures such as this one were reserved only for royalty and those granted elite status by the king. While not intended to be a true likeness, Bangwa figures are carved to commemorate the individuals after whom they are named. The Lefem, a society of nobles, stores the statues until they are needed at funerals and coronations for rituals that ensure the smooth transition of power from one ruler to the next. Bangwa statues also are brought to sacred burial groves during the dry season. There they are used for rituals to honor spirits of the natural world in hopes of a prosperous growing season.