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This elegant jug is believed to have been made
by one of the Grasslands people of Cameroon. It
is a classical design in most regards, with a
pedestal base, a globular body, a tall neck and a
flared mouth with pinched spout. The body is
further joined to the lip by a deeply curved
handle rising from the shoulder. The form is not
especially diagnostic. However, the body is
decorated with an exceptionally dynamic
buffalo’s head, with the eyes – which are made in
the likeness of cowrie shells, money in the
Grasslands area – and horns swept back
menacingly. These motifs are known for the
Tabwa people, but especially for the Bamileke,
and are especially associated with kingship.
Buffalo masks are exceptionally important to the
Bamileke, and are the property of the king.
Its function is bound to have been something
more than secular, presumably performing some
form of ritual device for the application of
libations or something similar. The shape
resembles a European milk jug, and may reflect
post-colonial tastes. This is a striking piece of
African art.
- (MT.297 (LSO))
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