Cameroon Grasslands

Bamum

Horn, Cloth, Fiber
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 21 inches
Aerophone – Lip Vibrated – Horn

Bamum traditionally carved side-blown trumpet/horn with wooden figural female (anthropomorphic) kneeling on top. The top finial is 4.35 inches. The grassland region, in south-west Cameroon, is a hilly and mountainous area covered by an equatorial forest in the south and a savannah in the north.  This regions has attracted the attention of western scholars because of its artistic heritage. The sultanate of Bamum is ruled by a single, sacred king, known as the Fon, who resides in the capital Fumban. The artistic production of the people living in the grassland of Cameroon is closely associated with royal and societal ceremonies. Large figures, thrones and prestige paraphernalia are used by the king to assert his power.  Statues representing ancestors are found all over the Bamum  and Bamilke areas.