A cast brass figure from the Mantoum Chiefdom in the Sultanate of Foumban, Cameroon. It sits cross-legged on an ornamented pedestal, with a small figure climbing along its right side.

1. Form and Casting

The face is broad and flat, with a wide, rounded beak-like mouth that gives it a duck-like look. Two small horns rise from the head, and a loop for suspension sits at the crown. Radiating incised lines mark the brow, and the ears are rendered as small curled forms.

The body is full and rounded, almost egg-shaped. Bands of zigzag and braided lines cover the torso, and a thick twisted collar sits at the neck. The breasts are modelled as spiral cones and a similar cone marks the navel. The legs are crossed, with the feet ornamented. The square pedestal below has panels of relief and an open-work band at its base. On the right, a small slender figure climbs along the side of the body.

2. Context

The collection catalogue places this piece in the Mantoum Chiefdom, at the edge of the Bamum area. For the brass objects of this group it points to expressive faces and detailed ornament, and reads them as cult objects displaying the wealth and power of the chief.

3. Surface

The brass has a warm brown patina with green traces in the deeper recesses of the ornament.

Summary

A seated brass figure of unusual head form and dense ornament, made for the display of chiefly prestige.