Bamileke - Pipe - Copper, Brass

Important ceremonial Bamileke pipe – Cameroon – Jean Lecluse collection

Rare and important prestige pipe in copper alloy, originating from the Grassfields region (western Cameroon), attributed to the Bamileke ethnicity.

This large piece (64 cm) consists of three interlocking elements. The bowl features a remarkable sculptural composition with a double superimposed face, expressive features (globular eyes, prominent nose, visible teeth), framed by lateral zoomorphic elements. The shaft is adorned with incised geometric motifs and relief anthropomorphic figures, while the upper end terminates in a stylized head forming the mouthpiece.

The surface offers a beautiful old patina, dark brown with golden reflections, with visible signs of use in the hearth.

These pipes were prestige objects used by notable individuals or in ceremonial contexts within Grassfields societies.

Provenance:
Jean Lecluse Collection, author of the reference work The Pipes of Black Africa (1985)

Condition: Good overall condition, wear appropriate to age
Dimensions: 64 x 18 cm
Material: Bronze / brass
Period: First half of the 20th century