Cameroon
Tikar

Terracotta
Early-Mid 20th Century
Length: 6.5 inches
Idiophone – Struck Indirectly – Shaken -Rattle

The grassland region in Southwest Cameroon is one of the most artistically rich areas of Africa. Only 250,000 Tikar people remain. They do not have a structured society or religion. Small terracotta house gods offer protection, fertility, and power. I have been asked about the age of these. Here’s what I know. I was very lucky, and bought two of these from two Bamileke brothers who are now selling in Capetown, South Africa. They are hard to get and their breakage rate when shipped is horrific. This Tikar “terracotta” rattle gestures with his hands, a plea for good health.