ANIMAL STATUETTE - MONKEY - Bulu - feather - Cameroon
06
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15
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34
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Current bid
€ 45
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 190 - € 210
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Description from the seller
Origin. Cameroon
Tribe name. Bulu/boulou
Material. Wood
Dimension. 42 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, open
This decorative sculpture is a fascinating example of the art of the Bulu (or Boulou) people, an ethnic group living mainly in southern Cameroon, as well as in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
The monkey holds a prominent place in Bulu cosmogony. Unlike in other cultures where it may be a trickster, among the Bulu it is often associated with power, protection, and transmission.
The stance: The large monkey is depicted in a protective posture, often holding a small calabash or a fruit between its paws (here visible at the lower left).
Filiation: The presence of a small monkey on the side or on the back reinforces the idea of lineage and clan survival.
The Bulu style is recognizable by several key elements present in this piece:
The treatment of the face: The face is broad with very pronounced and protruding brow ridges, creating deep eye sockets. The eyes are often represented by simple horizontal slits, giving the piece an inward, almost meditative gaze.
The heft of forms: Unlike the geometric finesse of the Fang (their neighbors), Bulu sculptures favor more compact, powerful volumes and a schematic yet vigorous musculature.
Origin. Cameroon
Tribe name. Bulu/boulou
Material. Wood
Dimension. 42 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, open
This decorative sculpture is a fascinating example of the art of the Bulu (or Boulou) people, an ethnic group living mainly in southern Cameroon, as well as in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
The monkey holds a prominent place in Bulu cosmogony. Unlike in other cultures where it may be a trickster, among the Bulu it is often associated with power, protection, and transmission.
The stance: The large monkey is depicted in a protective posture, often holding a small calabash or a fruit between its paws (here visible at the lower left).
Filiation: The presence of a small monkey on the side or on the back reinforces the idea of lineage and clan survival.
The Bulu style is recognizable by several key elements present in this piece:
The treatment of the face: The face is broad with very pronounced and protruding brow ridges, creating deep eye sockets. The eyes are often represented by simple horizontal slits, giving the piece an inward, almost meditative gaze.
The heft of forms: Unlike the geometric finesse of the Fang (their neighbors), Bulu sculptures favor more compact, powerful volumes and a schematic yet vigorous musculature.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
feather
Country of Origin
Cameroon
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
ANIMAL STATUETTE - MONKEY - Bulu
Height
42 cm
Sold by
