Lot 156
Western Cameroon, Grassfields, Bamileke culture, 20th century. Bamileke artisans of the Cameroonian grasslands are known for their fine beaded sculptures. This example is particularly powerful, as it is a representation of Mami Wata, the water spirit, the ultimate Mother Water. Water has and continues to be upheld as a sacred and essential element of nature in many cultures, and the goddess Mami Wata is venerated throughout the African continent. She is represented as the embodiment of African beauty oftentimes with an elaborate hairstyle as we see in this example. The technique for creating such beaded figures involves first carving a wooden core and then covering it with linen like, raffia cloth. Next, the figure is completely ornamented with a layer of multi-colored beads, in this case, black, white, and yellow. The beads are strung onto thread, and one out of every second, third, or fourth bead was sewn into the cloth beneath. Imported beads were rather scarce and sometimes used as a trading currency during the pre-colonial period; however, the arrival of the Germans brought about an increase in supply of beads in a wide array of colors. Beyond this painstaking technique, is the powerful symbolism that Mami Wata connotes, as she is believed to have the power to heal and provide fertility. Barren mothers have traditionally called upon her spirit to remedy their situation. In this representation of Mami Wata, the figure's breasts, hips, womb, and overall curvaceous female physiognomy is accentuated to emphasize her power in this regard. 26"T
Provenance: Ex-Robert Pearson Collection, Denver, CO
All items in this auction are legal to buy/sell under U.S. statute covering cultural patrimony per United States Code 2600, CHAPTER 14 -- CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
- Condition: Some loss of beads as shown. Else intact and appears in excellent condition.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |