Intricately Carved Black Bamileke Bed From Cameroon

Description

Intricately hand carved from a single solid piece of wood, this bed is made by the Bamileke tribe in Cameroon. … more Intricately hand carved from a single solid piece of wood, this bed is made by the Bamileke tribe in Cameroon.

According to Pierre Harter (1986: 63-64), ceremonial beds in the kingdoms of the Cameroonian Grassland, were used - exclusively by the king ( fon ), the chief ( cast ) or the queen ( mafo ) - for sleeping, " but also as prestige objects for the secret exhibition or in restricted council of the deceased king, before his burial ".

They are carved with human and/or animal motifs. The two long vertical walls serving as feet are decorated with human figures in staggered rows with raised arms and bent knees. less