Cameroon Grasslands
Bamileke

Wood, cloth, rope
Mid 20th century
Height: 27.9 inches
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Slit Drum

An impressive Bamileke slit drum carved in an anthropomorphic form with protruding cheeks, which is symbolic for age, wisdom and dignity. This figural slit drum is carved from one piece of hard wood.  It has rope and cloth wrapped around the neck.  The Bamileke are the largest ethnic group in Cameroon, inhibiting a grassland region in the country’s western and northwestern area.