Pipe - Wood
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Description from the seller
Description
Beautiful 20th-century Bamileke pipe from Cameroon, richly decorated with handcrafted millefiori glass beads and cowrie shells. Both the glass beads and cowrie shells were traditionally used in West Africa as currency and symbols of status.
Within Bamileke culture, richly decorated pipes were used by high-ranking men, such as village chiefs or members of the court. They served not only as smoking instruments but especially as status and prestige objects during ceremonies, gatherings, and rituals.
The decoration with millefiori glass beads and cowrie shells emphasized wealth, power, and spiritual protection. Such pipes were often kept and passed down within families or clans and held a symbolic value that went beyond practical use.
The pipe has a strong appearance and a beautiful old patina, fitting with its age and cultural use. A unique and collectible object within West African art.
Dimensions
Height without pedestal: 38 cm
Height with pedestal: 41 cm
Width: 12 cm
Depth: 11 cm
Good condition, with overall shrinkage cracks; see photos to get a good idea of the condition.
Description
Beautiful 20th-century Bamileke pipe from Cameroon, richly decorated with handcrafted millefiori glass beads and cowrie shells. Both the glass beads and cowrie shells were traditionally used in West Africa as currency and symbols of status.
Within Bamileke culture, richly decorated pipes were used by high-ranking men, such as village chiefs or members of the court. They served not only as smoking instruments but especially as status and prestige objects during ceremonies, gatherings, and rituals.
The decoration with millefiori glass beads and cowrie shells emphasized wealth, power, and spiritual protection. Such pipes were often kept and passed down within families or clans and held a symbolic value that went beyond practical use.
The pipe has a strong appearance and a beautiful old patina, fitting with its age and cultural use. A unique and collectible object within West African art.
Dimensions
Height without pedestal: 38 cm
Height with pedestal: 41 cm
Width: 12 cm
Depth: 11 cm
Good condition, with overall shrinkage cracks; see photos to get a good idea of the condition.
Details
Era
1900-2000
No. of items
1
Material
Wood
Country of Origin
Cameroon
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
In working order
No
Width
12 cm
Length
41 cm
Depth
11 cm
Period
1940-1950
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