Artwork Page for Commemorative figure (lefem)

Details / Information for Commemorative figure (lefem)

Commemorative figure (lefem)

mid-1800s–1910
carver

probably carved by Ateu Atsa

(Bangwa, c. 1840–1910)
Culture
Africa, Central Africa, Cameroon, Bangwa Kingdom
Medium
wood
Measurements
Overall: 92.1 x 20.3 cm (36 1/4 x 8 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1987.62
Public Domain
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Location
108A African
Print
?

Did You Know?

Ateu Atsa was both a famous and infamous artist! It is said that he enraged a ruler by portraying him realistically rather than in an idealized way, and was chased out of town after the sculpture was revealed.

Description

Adorned with royal attire consisting of a cap, beaded necklace, folded loincloth, and drinking horn, this figure was carved as a commemorative portrait of a historical king or high dignitary. It was kept by a secret association called Lefem, whose members gathered weekly in a sacred space in the forest to discuss matters related to the welfare of the kingdom. Standing in a royal shrine, the figure witnessed sacrifices made to the skulls of the chief’s ancestors. Meant to safeguard the kingdom and protect the fecundity of its inhabitants, it was also exhibited during funerals and royal ceremonies.
Dark brown wood sculpture of a figure with a loincloth between their legs and lines like a necklace around their shoulders. Their arms are bent at ninety degree angles, the right holding a drinking horn facing up, the left a pole hanging down. The figure's chin juts out with an open mouth revealing pointed teeth. A cap rests on their head with a smooth strip at the front and pine-cone-like texture on either side.

Commemorative figure (lefem)

mid-1800s–1910

Ateu Atsa

(Bangwa, c. 1840–1910)
Africa, Central Africa, Cameroon, Bangwa Kingdom

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