This large, life-size sculpture represents a
dancing queen. Regal figures from the Bangwa
kingdom have attracted attention in the west,
and indeed, this type of figure is among the most
famous in African art. Such sculptures depict the
courtly entourage of the Bangwa king, including
his numerous wives and attendants. This queen
mother is elegantly decorated in a rich
assortment of painted necklaces, bracelets, and
anklets. She carries two rattles, colored blue and
red, suggesting the rhythm of the music she
dances to. Her dynamic pose is astounding and
conveys the movement and action of her dance.
Such sculptures are generally stored in a secret
chamber within the palace and are only brought
out for display in order to impress a visiting
dignitary or to mark important ceremonies
headed by the king. Most likely, the figure
represents a deceased mother queen, or perhaps
symbolizes many ancestor queens represented as
one. The vitality of this sculpture impresses the
viewer as much as the large stature. Clearly, this
work was meant to impress, revealing the wealth
and luxury of the king. Today, this sculpture is a
greater symbol for the richness and beauty of
African art and the cultures of the continent.
- (PF.6137)
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