Objects

Decorative mask of a gorilla head with an open mouth, large teeth, its tongue protudes a bit. Open nostrils, vertical scarification between the eyes, which are not carved through. Three upside down lizards sit on top of the head and two right side up lizards below the chin forming an oval shape overall for the mask.

Bowls in the shape of a turtle with a tail at one end and a human head at the other. "A" has six double gongs carved around the sides of the bowl with circle shapes in between. Human head has carved hair. "B" is the same as "A". "C" has alternating double gongs and spiders carved around the sides, four spiders and two gongs. Head shows partially shaved area on top. All bowls sit on short pedestals and are blackened on the exterior, bare wood inside.

A. Bowl in the shape of a turtle with a tail at one end and what might have been a leopard head at the other. Sides carved with two spiders on each, totaling four, and textured like reptile skin. B. Bowl in shape of turtle with tail missing, what looks like a human head at the other end. Sides carved with four spiders on each side, textured with vertical lines.

Bowl and cover are carved with diamond and line patterns typical of Fulani designs. Diamond shapes are colored with red pigment. Cover is dome shaped coming to a knob handle at the top. Dish tapers to a round raised foot.

Posts carved with figures of men holding a calabash and wearing traditional caps and loin cloths. They stand on double gongs. Above are chameleons, facing nose down. The lintel is carved with a man's head framed by spiders on either side.

Figure of a title holder (Shuufaay) wearing robes, traditional cap, and holding a staff. He is standing upon and topped by bovine heads and a band of carved cowrie shell shapes between his head and the bovine above.

Posts are carved with the image of a title holder wearing a traditional cap and loin cloth, carrying a palm wine cup. He is surrounded above and below by double-gongs. The lintel is carved with a spider in the center, framed by elephant tusk trumpets.

Posts are each carved with three title holders wearing traditional robes, loin cloths and caps. They are holding palm wine cups. In between the single figures are pairs of men wearing onlhy traditional caps. They embracing one another as a symbol of unity and support for the hierarchy. The lintel is carved with three front facing leopards, in between which are two double-headed snakes, the symbol of the Bamoun kingdom, signifying the relationships between the two peoples.

Posts comprised of four heads with open mouths, showing teeth and tongues. Lintel carved with a spider surrounded on both sides by lizards, heads facing the center. Threshold carved with geometric shapes.

Calabash the has been cut and hollowed out to form a bowl.

Tall narrow drum carved in four tiers. Upper tier is a parade of 7 overlapping men striding. They wear traditional caps and loin cloths and are carrying walking sticks in their right hands. Some are carrying a log on their left shoulder. Second tier painted black, bordered by a chain of open oval shapes. Third tier is made up of 8 shield shapes in pairs carved in diamond patterns on their surface. In between the double shield shapes are vertical bands carved with wavy lines. Under that tier is a band similarly carved but horizontal. Last tier is carved with four dog heads with forelegs pointing down, in between them are vertical bands carved with wavy lines and leaf shapes.

Pair of masks in the form of the head of an elephant. Each entirely covered in multi-colored glass beads. The beads on "A" form narrow red, yellow and blue stripes overall. The ears are covered in black buttons inside and out. The head on "B" is striped red and blue, with yellow tusks. Inside the ears are double gong images in green, black and red beads, surrounded by blue and red buttons. The attached caps that sit on the wearer's head are made of woven raffia.

Tusk has been imprinted with numbers, including the dates 1971-72.

Pair of fans made with woven multi colored wool yarn that is wrapped around strips of split bamboo. Attached to a bamboo handle covered in leather with at leather loop at the end.

Simply carved sculpture of a nude woman standing in slight crouch position.

Anthropomorphic sculptural portrait of a winto' (Fon's wife). She is carrying a small calabash in front, left hand below the right. She is wearing a carved waistband of cowries attached to a cache-sex. Carved hair is styled/plaited.

Anthropomorphic sculpture of an old woman wearing a loin cloth, bare breasted, carrying a pot on her head. Darkened with charcoal

Sculpture of a woman with an asymetricical face, holding a basket on her head with both hands up and carrying an abstracted baby on her back. She is seated on a small stool just under her buttocks. Her thighs form a horizontal circle. Placed on an open circular base.

Log that has been carved with a large rectangular hole in the middle, surrounded by smaller perforations

Figure of a man crouching and holding a large pot between his knees. Feathers inserted on either side of the pot.

Miniature of a Manjong/Mfu (warrior) society member in full regalia.

Cast iron head and forelegs of a male lion.

Miniature of the character who leads and helps manage/control the mask named Kibarankoh during displays, ceremonies, and occasions

Miniature of a character that accompanies, protects, and controls the mask Kibarankoh during displays, ceremonies, and special occasions.

Miniature of a mask that comes out on royal occasions.

Anthropomorphic sculpture of a masquerade in motion carrying removable plywood shield, kumbu' and two spears. Whitewashed and painted with red and black spots, carved hair and wearing real feathers in its hair.

Miniature of a man dressed in the traditional regalia of a war spy, carrying a long spear, a cutlass in its sheath, and a calabash.

Very rudimentary sculpture carved from a burl, using the original wood as most of the form.

Miniature of the character that leads and protects the mask Kibaranko during displays and ceremonies.

Miniature of the mask that comes out from the Ngirii (royal family) men's society during celebrations and ceremonies.

Miniature of the tallest mask in the kingdom. Stands on stilts. Comes out on specific occasions.

Miniature of the masquerade Kingaayasi, the tallest in the kingdom. It walks on stilts and towers above the crowd. Kingaayasi comes out on ceremonial occasions and to commemorate the deaths of important title-holders.

Miniature of the tallest masquerade in the kingdom. It walks on stilts and towers above the crowd. Kingaayasi comes out to commemorate the deaths of important title holders and on other ceremonial occasions.

Miniature of the king of the masquerades and court jester, Fon shikang.

Mineature of the "king of the masquerades" a comedian who comes out on ceremonial occasions"

Miniature of a masquerade, Jwi nwerong.

Miniature of a masquerade of the Manjong (Warriors) society.

Miniature of the masquerade Shigwaala. Gown is of feathers, mask in the form of a human face is worn horizontally.

Miniature of the masquerade, Wanmabu, in motion.

Miniature of a mask of the Nwerong society.

Miniature of a maquerade of the Nwerong society, Kibaranko, accompanied by two handlers that control his movements by leash.

Miniatures of Kibaranko and its minder.

Miniature of a character that follows the masquerade for protection and control.

Miniature of the leader of the Nwerong society. Some of his functions are to lead the procession, protect the mask it accompanies during displays, and dignify the Fon.

Miniatures of the masquerade characters that herald and control the major mask during displays and celebrations

Miniatures of a mask and his minder.

Semi circular foot rest with a solid top carved around the edges with a chain of cowries end to end and wavy lines to form a border, plain inside. Top held by open frame work carved with cowrie chains. In the open spaces on the curved edge are a bush cow's head in the center, and two elephant mask forms on either side. On the straight back side is a spider framed by cowrie shapes.

Zoomorphic sculpture including two leopards that are lying down, their heads turned towards the left and right. Top of the footrest and edge are carved with cowrie shapes. Remnants of black and white pigment.

Zoomorphic sculpture including two leopards, lying down, heads and front legs facing outward. Top carved with lozenge shapes representing the leopard's spots

Four bowls carved into one piece of wood, one at each end and two smaller ones together in the middle. Back is finely carved with fine lines in rectangular shapes and grids,and some triangles.

Sculpture of a seated monkey holding a baby. The monkey's face is painted with red pigment. Human hair used for its beard and head of hair.

Pair of house posts, each carved with the image of a traditional ruler wearing a cap, loin cloth and carrying a palm wine cup. They are standing on images of a spider, and are topped with images of a bovine head.

Oval lid carved with two reptiles facing each other that form a handle, and two other reptiles and spiders spiders in relief.

Round lid with large lizard forming a handle. The lizard extends beyond the circumferance of the lid.

Lintel carved with three men's heads who are wearing traditional caps.

Lute-like instrument with five strings. Raised metal covered bridge, half moon shaped sound hole, oval shaped flat top, curved back. Sides and top decorated with geometric carving. Top attached with fiber stitching. No neck, just five curved sticks, one for each string, extend up above the sound box.

Anthropomorphic sculpture of a man wearing a traditional cap, a striped loin cloth, and carrying a spear in his right hand with upraised arm and a palm wine cup in his left hand. Dressed as an initiate in the Mfu men's society. Object was buried in mud after it was carved.

Miniature of a leader in the Ngirii society dressed in traditional regalia and carrying a double gong.

Anthropomorphic sculpture of a man wearing a traditional fabric loin cloth and decorated with plants, with shaved head, touching himself under the cloth with his right hand as though urinating

Anthropomorphic sculpture of a bearded man wearing a loin cloth, traditional cap, carrying a double gong and beater. Has been buried in mud.

Anthropomorphic sculpture of a bearded man wearing beads, a loin cloth, traditional cap, bracelet, and carrying a staff. Figure is draped with plant material and has been whitewashed.

Anthropomorphic sculpture of a Notable wearing cowrie decorated cap, loin cloth, crossed belts around the chest, a beaded necklace and two bracelets on each wrist. Arms upraised carrying a carved image of President Paul Biya written with CPDM/RDPC and 1986 HE BIYA. Object signed by the maker.

Anthropomorphic sculpture of a crouching man wearing a cap, carrying a carved palm wine cup with both hands in front, wearing a loin cloth. Surface marks of the sculpting tools, especially on legs

Anthropomorphic sculptural portrait of a Fon wearing the vibuh vi vebaa with "Fon of Nso'" carved on the edge and elaborate geometric shaped decorations all over the headdress. Figure is seated on a stool being held up by four small figures that are squatting and holding their hands together. The Fon is bearded. He is holding a palm wine cup in his right hand and a pipe in his left hand. He is wearing a royal necklace made of leopard's teeth, and a bracelet on his left wrist. On his back he carries a baby in between two amulets that would have been made of leather on a double cord. He is wearing a loin cloth representation of royal fabric He is bent over, leaning on his knees with elbows.

Anthropomorphic sculpture of a man wearing a cap, seated on a European style chair with carvings on the back in shape of double gong. His hands resting on his knees, with a smiling face showing teeth

Anthropomorphic sculptural portrait of a Fon wearing the vibuh vi vebaa ovoid shaped decorations all over the headdress. Figure is seated on a stool being held up by three small figures that are squatting and holding up the seat with their arms above their heads. The Fon is bearded. He is holding a palm wine cup in his right hand and a pipe in his left hand. He is wearing a royal necklace made of leopard's teeth, and a bracelet on his left wrist. On his back he carries a baby in between two amulets that would have been made of leather on a double cord. He is wearing a loin cloth representation of royal fabric. He is bent over, leaning on his knees with elbows. Signed by the artist carving at the base.

Sculpture of a bearded man wearing a traditional cap, beads around his neck and a loin cloth. He is carrying what appears to be a rattle or small calabash.

Sculpture of a bearded man holding a palm wine cup in his right hand up towards his chest. He is wearing a traditional cap painted red, black and white, a beaded necklace, bracelets on both wrists, and a loin cloth. His eyes are painted black and white. He is standing on a small carved base. Left hand at groin. He appears to be slightly crouching.

Figurative sculpture of an old man holding a cup. His cap, garments, and beard are made of cowrie shells and white glass beads which cover his head and whole body.

Anthropomorphic sculpture of a man wearing a traditional cap, carrying a cutlass and sheath under his left armpit, held by upraised right arm

Full figure of a man wearing a traditional cap, beads around his neck,a knife and scabbard on a cord hanging below his left shoulder, and holding a staff in his left hand. He is dressed in a real textile loin cloth. He is decorated with live plants on a regular basis, which are allowed to dry and remain hanging around his neck until they are refreshed with new garlands.

Miniature of a member of the Nwerong society dressed in traditional regalia

Anthropomorphic sculpture of a man wearing a traditional cap, necklaces, and a loin cloth representing traditional fabric worn by a Shey. Forehead marked by scarification.

Sculpture of a man in slight crouch position holding a container with a cover that has two camileons standing on it, facing front. He is standing over a leopard that is helping carry the pot on its ears. The man is nude, but wearing a cap. He is smiling, showing his teeth. The base is carved out, and decorated with diamond shapes all around. The container holds porcupine quills, cloth, and a set of keys.

Sculpture of a man being held up by a container that is decorated with five lizards carved and painted black around its surface. He is wearing a traditional cap and has been painted black. The container rests on the front legs of four black lizards standing on a round, hollowed out base.

Sculpture of a man with two horns on his head, holding a long staff that is resting on a stool in front of him. The stool is decorated the carved image of a spider. The figure is wrapped in a woven fiber mesh that serves as clothing and covers the man's body and head.

Horizontal anthropomorphic mask representing a Shey (title-holder). He is wearing a traditional divided cap. Has large, open mouth painted red with large white teeth. The eyes are painted white around the edges, as are the forehead lines. He has protruding ears, round cheeks and carved mustache and beard.

Horizontal anthropomorphic mask with smiling open mouth, teeth, and three horizontal scarification marks on each cheek. Prominent ears and well carved eyebrows. Hair and beard made of plaited fiber. Face has some remnants of red pigment on the forehead and cheeks.

Simply carved orizontal anthropomorphic mask with beard and cap. Traces of black pigment.

Typical horizontal elephant mask with large oval ears, long trunk, tusks that curve out, around and back to touch the trunk. Carved out eyes and teeth. Surface shows chisel marks. Forehead deliberately scarred. Painted overall with black pigment, left light around features.

Typical horizontal elephant mask with large oval ears, trunk that curves up, tusks that curve out, around and back to touch each other on top of the trunk. Carved out eyes and teeth. Surface shows chisel marks. Ears have carved diamond shaped holes

Horizontal elephant mask with large oval ears, trunk that curves up around and folded back, tusks that curve out, around and back to touch the top of the trunk. Carved out eyes and teeth. Surface shows chisel marks.

Zoomorphic horizontal mask in the form of a ram's head. Curved horns that turn around the ears, highly carved on their surface. Mark on forehead. Open mouth showing upper teeth.

Mask in the form of a man's head wearing a traditional title-holder's cap

Horizontal zoomorphic mask representing an ox. Flat, horizontal large horns and snout are painted black. Large nostrils and eyes carved on top of the mask.

Horizontal anthropomorphic mask representing a Shey (title holder) wearing a traditional divided cap, with open smiling mouth showing its teeth. Face has been painted with red pigment.

Slightly abstracted sculpture of a masquerade, with holes that look as though they should be holding a headdress, kimbu', shield, and maybe wearing some kind of dress. Head is pointed as though to be wearing a cap of some kind. Straight parallel legs, standing on a small, circular base.

Cylindrical mortar bowl decorated with crocodile carved and painted black encircling its sides. Pedestal with an animal foot/leg shaped handle and solid semi-circular base set on a solid circle.