A wooden vessel from the legacy of Amidou Kouandou, a notable with minister rank in the Sultanate of Foumban. A rounded body with incised diamond lattice panels rises into a long neck with a ring handle and a carved stopper crowned by two embracing figures.

1. Form and Carving

The vessel is carved in the shape of a gourd, with a rounded body that stands on a cylindrical, vertically ribbed base ring. The lower body carries raised diamond-lattice panels and a finely incised border. A long, tapering neck with a zigzag line rises from it, with a ring-shaped handle at the side. The neck ends in a ribbed collar and a carved stopper in the form of two standing figures who embrace each other. A plaited cord is tied around the shoulder of the body.

2. Use and Context

According to the collection catalogue, the design, the richly decorated wooden body and the elaborately carved stopper indicate that this calabash is most likely a special and prestigious object of a chiefdom. Whether it served for the cultic drinking of palm wine of a men's society in the so-called men's house or for the storage of liquids needed in the traditional field can no longer be clarified. It can be assumed, however, that the vessel was not intended for everyday use.

3. Surface and Wear

The wood is very dark brown, smooth and satiny on the body, neck and handle, while the lattice panels and the base ring are matte. The figures on top are a warmer reddish brown. Some cracking is visible at the base ring.

Summary

A carved wooden calabash with lattice panels, a ring handle and a stopper of two embracing figures, probably a prestigious chiefdom object.