The art of Cameroon reflects social, economic,
and religious concerns, especially relating to that
of royalty, prestige, and power. The artistic
renditions of social hierarchy affirm the
Cameroon societies' highly stratified social order
that supports centralized political institutions
maintaining chieftaincies, judicial organizations,
and regulatory associations.
Such hierarchical system is finely depicted in
these marvelous ivory trumpets with intricate
carvings of figures and symbols. These trumpets
were used in royal ceremonies, possibly
announcing ceremonial departure or arrival of an
Oba, who is the king, and his queen. The queen
is carved on the top of one trumpet and the king
on the other. The detailed carvings are truly
amazing. Below the carvings of the king and
queen are larger carvings of their ancestors, the
protectors of the village. One is seen with the
queen and the other with the king. Their large
facial features are majestic and bold, suiting their
regal status. The realistic, fleshy depiction of the
body shows the artist's fine workmanship.
Below the ancestor figures is a beautiful lattice
work of antelope heads with their horns. The
antelope head symbolizes fertility of the earth to
the ancient Bangwa. Cowrie shells represent
fortune and they are carved below the symbols of
fertility. Spider webs are carved below the cowrie
shells and symbolize protection. The lizards
symbolize maternity. To finish off these
gorgeous works of art, the bottom of each
trumpet is carved with flower patterns. We
certainly can appreciate the trumpets' visual
aesthetics and symbolism, along with the crucial
cultural role that these magnificent trumpets
played in the ancient community of Bangwa.
- (PF.3952)
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