MAMBILLA FIGURE

Mambilla Ancestor Figure, Cameroon

Free standing on short angular legs with the hands raised and close to the body, boxy shoulders and arms, concave face with traces of pigment, incised marks around the carved open mouth, brow and shoulders

Mambilla / Mambila People. Nigeria, Cameroon

The Mambilla or Mambila people live on the Mambilla plateau of Nigeria and the Ndom/ Tikar Plain in neighbouring Cameroon.

Mambilla people trace their ancestry to the Bantu linguistic group, a branch of Niger-Congo languages comprising over 530 languages. The millennia-long series of migration which was believed to have begun in 1,000 BCE, led to the spread of Bantu languages from the Donga valley (around the border of Nigeria and Cameroon) to other parts of Central and Southern Africa.

The Suaga society serves as an ancestral cult for arbitration among the Mambilla people. The society plays its mediation role during Tawong festivals held biannually (June and December) in Suaga shrines. The ritual paraphernalia used during performances include masks, costumes, medicines, and sacrifices initiated through two main types of carved anthropomorphic figures known as Tadep and Kike. These statuettes and other ritual paraphernalia are kept in granary-like storehouses because of their spiritual significance to the locals.

The Tadep figure is associated with rites to proffer solutions to ailments, infertility, and protection. The concave face of the Tadep figure is accentuated by its gawking jaw and widened mouth.

Kike figures, on the other hand, are made from the pith of raffia palm. They are also associated with healing, illnesses, and rites meant for the spiritual cleansing of the community. Both the Tadep and Kike figures are regarded as embodiments of visiting ancestral spirits who serve as mediators between humans and the Supreme Being. Ancestors are believed to be responsible for the wealth of particular clans. As such, the worship of ancestors cuts across family lines. Clans trace their lineage and bloodlines to ensure they worship their direct ancestors. The patrilineal nature of the Mambilla people is evident in traditional beliefs associated with Suaga society. It is forbidden for women to see the masks and statues in the Suaga shrines. They are also not allowed to participate or act as spectators during festivals. Nonetheless, women are allowed to hold mock masquerade festivals.

Mambilla masks are in the form of stylized animal heads and are worn at the commencement and closing of agricultural cycles by dancers. They include the Suah,vur; a helmet-like mask of the first rank, worn over the head, which then rests on the shoulder of the wearer. Masks of the second-rank are called the Suah Dua and are worn by a retinue of aides following the wearer of the first-rank mask.

Condition

This item is in good vintage condition, considering its age.

Minor wood loss around the base. Some wood loss on the head. Stable split on the the top and right side of the head. Tiny holes from insects on the body, fully treated as a precaution. Sculpture is free standing and unmounted.