The Cameroon Grasslands is a large cultural
area, which is inhabited by a large number of
related peoples. These peoples can be divided
into three smaller subgroups: Bamileke, Bamum,
and Tikar. The Bangwa are one of the numerous
smaller ethnic groups within the Bamileke
complex. They are loosely affiliated with other
groups in the complex, sharing many historical
and political similarities while retaining their
separate identity. All members of this group
originally came from an area to the north and
migrated in various complex patterns
throughout the last several centuries. Fulani
traders moving steadily southwards into
Cameroon in the 17th century forced the
southern drift of most of the current residents.
The Bangwa were only officially separated from
the Bamileke during colonial administration
during the early 20th century.
While regal figures from the Bangwa kingdom
have achieved fame in the West, the Bangwa
sculpture of the Mother Queen is among the
most celebrated types in all of African art. The
sculpture represents a dancing queen, carved in
a dynamic, asymmetrical pose, itself a rare
feature in African art. The ritual significance of
this sculpture is revealed by the fact that it
appeared only during the funeral ceremonies of
kings. Otherwise, this sculpture and other
similar royal portrait would have been kept
inside a royal shrine, placed next to the skulls of
their ancestors that were preserved and revered
by the Bangwa. This sculpture is a memorial to a
fallen queen, whose life will be forever honored.
- (PF.5472)
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