Western Cameroon, Eastern Nigeria
Mambila

Wood, cloth fiber, cowrie shell, copper
Mid 20th Century
Length: 22.75 in, Depth: 2.375 in
Idiophone – Rasp – Scraped

This Mambila rasp is used as ritual paraphernalia connected with a healing association called Suaga. Sauga is primarily concerned with justice and supernatural cleansing within the community.  On top of this rasp is a Tadep anthropomorphic figure, thought to embody ancestors who, according to Mambila beliefs, are responsible for the clan’s wealth.  Attached to the rasp is copper ring used to scrape the rasp.