See more: artifacts
Sold Out
Tikar Forest Magic Pygmy Figure, Cameroon #551 2
$ 985.00 $ 492.50
This product is sold out
- Tikar Forest Magic Pygmy Figure, Cameroon #551 2
- A complex and detailed piece, the figure is standing with hands on belly. The face, torso, limbs are expressed with fluidity and power. Embellished with twine strung with seed pods.
- Measurements: Approx. 7 1/2" H.
- Excellent condition.
- Provenance: Estate of Thomas McNemar, (1931-2020.) McNemar lived and collected throughout Central and West Africa in the 1960s and 70s. He established Galleries of African Art in New York and San Francisco, selling to Museums and Public and Private Collections in the United States and Europe.
- This Figure is believed to represent a Spirit of the Pygmy People of the Cameroon Forests. There are currently around 120,000 People of Pygmy Descent in the World, with most living in Cameroon's Forested Region near the Atlantic Coast.
- The Tikar People believe(d) that these Figures possess Mystical Spirits and Powers derived from the Forests where Pygmy People live(d). They were used for Protection and as Fertility Figures, which are also believed to benefit their Harvests.
- Cameroon has more than 240 Tribal Bases, which are found in three main Ethnic Groups; Bantus, Semi-Bantus and Sudanese. The number of national languages spoken in the Country is more than 240.
Speaking a language called "Mabi," or "Mabea," which is specific to them, - Pygmy People have Poems and Epic Stories which are passed on by the Generations.
- Worshipping One Single God called "Komba" and believing everything was created by Him, the Pygmy People also believe in an Afterlife.
- As they believe that the Souls of their Ancestors are everywhere, they conserve dead bodies inside tree barks and caves.