A pair of cast bronze figures from the Kounden chiefdom in the Sultanate of Foumban, Cameroon, each about 60 cm tall. Both stand with bared teeth on rectangular openwork bases.

1. Form and Casting

The two figures share a squat, rounded body with a swelling belly, short strong legs and a belt or loincloth at the hips. The belly is incised with fine patterns and pierced by small openings, and both wear collars at the neck and bracelets on the arms. Their bases are open boxes with lattice work and applied relief figures along the sides.

The figure on the left has a bearded chin, a wide headdress of openwork with two small ornaments rising from it, and one arm held out with the palm open. In its other hand it holds a long curved horn. The figure on the right wears a pointed crest between two large, upright ears. It holds a gourd in one hand and a staff in the other, and a small figure stands against its leg and reaches up towards the staff.

2. Use and Context

According to the collection catalogue, the insignia and chief's regalia, the elaborate body ornament and the striking head decoration show that these figures depict very important ancestors of the chiefdom. Otherwise, the catalogue reasons, they would not have been kept in the treasury of the clan chief.

3. Surface

The bronze is dark brown and fairly even, with lighter, earthy deposits in the recesses of the bases and the incised bellies. The raised parts of the faces and hands have a slightly smoother tone.

Summary

Two bronze figures with horn, gourd and staff, kept in the treasury of the Kounden chief and understood as depictions of important ancestors.