Cameroon
Cameroonian

Wood
Late 19th – Early 20th
Height: 27 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Bell, Wooden

Very beautiful and large anthropomorphic bell covered with geometric designs from the Bamilke people in the west province of Cameroon. This bell was most likely a commemorative shrine object. It is an old item with clear signs of age and use. The golden patina is the result of many years of palm-oil libations.  I was told when I collected this bell (#094) that I had to also purchase another bell (#095) and always keep them together.  Through further research, this bell (#094) represents the physical features of the ancestor, while bell (#095) is the spiritual representation (abstract in design) of the ancestor.  They should always be kept together.