Cameroon Western Grassfields
Bamileke (Bagam)

Metals: Bronze, iron, fiber, beads
Pre-20th century
Height: 24 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Bell, Metal

Among sounding instruments of the Cameroon Grassfields, is this tall hand hammered iron and cast bronze bell with attached striker.  The Bronze cast head finial on top is well rendered and likely cast using the lost wax method, making it unique.  On top of the head is a cap with a large lizard.  This Bamileke lizard refers to symbolic motifs in Cameroon Grasslands culture, representing royal power, duality, and adaptability. These figures are a key emblem for chiefs and, sometimes, symbolize the spider’s wisdom, a core spiritual and cultural belief, symbolizing divine intelligence, ancestral connection, and royal authority.

This cast finial head bell is played by stricking the bell shaped metal body with the wrapped cloth stricker.  The bell is primarily used as a sacred instrument in ceremonies, such as initiations, marriages, and funerals, to communicate with ancestors and deities, and to announce royal or ceremonial events.  The bell measures 24 inches tall and comes from the Bamileke (Bagam) people in Cameroon, Western Grassfields.