Memorial Figure – Wood – Bangwa – Cameroon

Memorial figures were carved of titled royal wives or princesses, and are often refered to as Bangwa Queens. They were honored as priestesses of the earth cult and were displayed lining the verandas of royal residences. The fwa would commission this type of statue from the sculptor deemed the most skilful in the kingdom. Known as Lefem, these statues are royal portraits associated with a particular sovereign, member of the royal family or member of a sovereign’s circle (queens and queen mothers, princesses, favourite spouses, mothers of twins or especially devoted dignitaries). Lefem statues are also tied to the secret society of the same name, referred to under the term gong society. Enormous Bangwa figure, total length: 138 cm! Total weight: 17 kg! Good condition with traces of tribal use. Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm (Germany). Please contact first before order; due to the size of the item, higher shipping costs may apply