Bamileke - Cameroon

Beaded Bamileke figure. Wood covered with fabric onto which threads with colored glass beads 'trade beads' are sewn to form the design. These figures were part of the status regalia of the notables, for their craftsmanship value, and for the intrinsic value of the glass beads; they were literally money. Even today, in the usual bargaining, it’s easier to lower the price of a simple wooden figure than of a bag of beads, which by its weight has an almost immovable value. Height: 28 cm.