This large, life-size sculpture represents a court
attendant of the king. Regal figures from the
Bangwa kingdom have attracted attention in the
west, and indeed, such figures (specifically the
mother queen counterpart) are among the most
famous in African art. Such sculptures depict the
courtly entourage of the Bangwa king, including
his numerous wives and attendants. This
attendant is elegantly decorated in a rich
assortment of painted necklaces, a fantastic
collar, bracelets, and anklets. He carries a white
rattle suggesting that he might be dancing in a
ceremonial ritual. His dynamic pose enforces
this ideal, conveying the rhythm and movement
of the dance. Similar 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 attendant, or
perhaps symbolizes many deceased attendants
combined into one ideal ancestor. 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.6138)
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