Mask - Cameroon (No reserve price)

)

The tribes of the Cameroonian Grassland produce relatively homogeneous works, often featuring characters with large, globular eyes. Organized into about thirty kingdoms and chiefdoms, the Tikar prioritize creating prestige objects that highlight the power and authority of the fon. The latter possessed a treasure consisting of statues, thrones, beaded objects, made of wood and metal, without which he would lose his power. It is believed that lost wax casting dates back several centuries in this region. The king held a monopoly on prestige materials and artistic creations, generously rewarding the work of artists. On a circular base, five elongated male figures are perched on human heads, probably defeated enemies. With their arms raised above them, they support a flat platform decorated with repoussé engravings: friezes with cowries symbolizing wealth, zigzag lines, circles, semi-circles, beads, around a central motif representing the king. A greenish-gray oxidation appears locally.