Hat - Head of Atwontzen Bamiléké - Bamileke - Cameroon (No reserve price)

a sculpted head adorned with tribal art, resembling an Atwontzen Bamiléké head from the Grasslands (Grassfields) region in western Cameroon.
• Ethnic origin: Bamiléké culture or neighboring kingdoms (such as Dschang or the Bangwa region) in western Cameroon.
• Materials and decorations: Composed of a core (often wood or calabash) wrapped in textile, fiber wrappings or beads, and enhanced with cowries (shells) inserted in the eyes, red fabrics at the ears, and topped with a small carved or real animal skull.
• Symbolism: These heads depicting skulls (sometimes called atwontzen) were tied to royal power, ancestor worship, and the ceremonies or warrior rites of the Grasslands.