Cameroon Grasslands
Tikar

Bronze bell / lost wax casting
Early-Mid 20th Century
Height: 24 inches
Idiophone-Struck Directly – Metal Bell

All of the peoples who make up the Cameroon Grasslands culture area pay allegiance to the Fon (chief). And, it was the production of items such as statues, bells, necklaces, etc., that were cast by the lost wax production that revealed the power and prestige of the Fon.  Metal work was also common among the other cultural groups such as the Bamoun, who shared their artwork with the Tikar.  Nevertheless, by 1920, the metal work founders no longer made artwork exclusively for the Fon.

Some of the ethnic groups of grassland Cameroon include the Bamileke, Bamoun, and the Tikar.  The chiefdoms or kingdoms of these ethnic groups were supported and structured around a council of elders association, who advised the Fon on all important decisions and verified the Fon.  Complex age-grade societies also helped to structure the community.  While the Fon oversees these secret societies, the Fon could also have supernatural powers.  In some of their ritual ceremonies, the Fon was believed to have the ability to transform into the spirit and strength of animals, such as an elephant, buffalo, leopard, or python.

This heavy Tikar bell shows the Fon on top and below infants surrounding the bell.  Possibly to emphasize fertility.  While the Fon is in a seated position, three infants share the top of the bell in a kneeling position, most likely his chosen heirs.