Product Description

This statue hails from Cameroon and was carved by the talented artists of the Fang Tribe.  

These sculptures are simply carved yet at the same time are very sophisticated. They were used to communicate with the Ancestors who would be consulted when any big event was happening within the tribe.  If a village needed to change location, if there was a war, new crops to be planted or even a mass hunting expedition.  A ceremony would take place with prays, dancing and sacrifices were offered to the Ancestors.   These figures have large heads, protruding bellies and navels with short limbs and symbolize new born babies in proportions.   The Fang people had three classes of society the “not-yet-born,” the living, and the dead. 

This particular statue is believed to be from the early 20th century.

Small cracks, discoloration, etc are a normal part of the ageing process and add to the character of each item.