Cameroon Grasslands
Bamum

Buffalo Horn and Copper alloy
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Height: 14 inches; Width: 10 inches; Depth: 5 inches
Other – Ritual Symbolism

A pair of royal ceremonial buffalo drinking horns called ndu nyiet, of the Bamum. They serve as a ‘title cup’ (nda nyiet), which is a sign of social status of the ‘fon’ and his elite group of nobles within the communities of the Grassfield (Bamum, Bamileke, Bangwa, and Tikar) kingdoms. As a precious heirloom, they are passed down through the generations to the most honorable member of the family. A distinction of these buffalo drinking horns is community members, such as family heads, village elders, commoners, and women, may possess these drinking horns, but they are made from different materials such as cow horn, antelope horn, and even gourds.

The nda nyiet is used to pour and drink palm-wine during rituals that safeguard the community.  They are also displayed by the ‘fon’ and his elite group of nobles during ceremonies and festivals within the community.  Once initiated through rituals and magic spells, they are treated with reverence.

These Bamum ndu nyiet include several hand relief carved animal motifs in the buffalo horn, including spiders (ngame; meaning wisdom / divination) and frogs (tetuo; meaning prosperity).  Geometric patterns include palm tree (meaning peace), crossroads symbols (meaning problem solver).  Starting in the 20^th century copper alloy was added to the final of the buffalo horn as seen here.

Resource: Art of Cameroon: Paul Gebauer