Powerful Arts of Cameroon

Introduction

Amadou Njoya was born into a family of distinguished iron and brass artisans who worked for the royal family of the Bamum kingdom. His family had bestowed upon them the title of “Nji,” a significant and honorable person within the kingdom. In 1990, Amadou began collecting art and has assembled a comprehensive assortment of both traditional and contemporary objects that represent his appreciation of ceremonial ritual and respect for the spirit’s that inhabit the work. This exhibition showcases his precious collections, as well as present the powerful arts and rich cultural heritages of Cameroon.

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Male Leader Mask

Northwestern Grassfields: Oku
Wood, human hair, pigment, feather, sap
mid-18th century

Masks such as this are used to commemorate deceased Fons (kings) and celebrate the enthronement of the successor.

The mask has deep eyes with kaolin pigment; the coiffure is composed of human hair applied with sap (leh) from Grassfields trees. The sap is believed to act as protection against bad spirits. The feather is a symbol of the title holder (leader). It possibly represents the face of the ancestral founder of the kingdom.
Stool

Western Forest: Widekum
Wood
20th century

One figure is anthropomorphic, with a leopardâ€™s body and a human face. The other figure is a person performing a ritual act. They are surrounded by two giant earth spiders symbolizing wisdom.
Commemorative Royal Headpiece (Shrine)

Western Grassfields: Balikumbat
Brass, copper
18th century

Using the lost-wax casting method, this old and delicately detailed mask is a masterful example of the ironwork produced in Cameroon. A common characteristic is portrayed here by the large puffy cheeks representing wisdom, and the chameleon crown which symbolizes the virtuous trait of awareness.

The chameleons are emerging out of the royal crown which has the form of a ritual ceramic “country” pot. The pot contains all ritual and sacrificial materials connected with the living and the deceased ancestors.

This headpiece was used mostly on a shine, but taken out and worn during special ceremonies.
Royal Pipe

Western Grassfields: : Balikumbat
Brass, copper
19th century

This large royal pipe is cast in brass and copper represents the fon’s (king) face with puffy cheeks and aggressive wide eyes. On top of the pipe there is a crown of the nine important notable individuals who rule the kingdom together with the fon (king).

All nine notables belong to a Secret Society, and they are responsible for the fon’s security. They play the role of a supreme court and make jugdments among the people and also have the right to judge the fon for wrong doing and can even revoke his title. They are responsible for the funeral preparations for the deseased fon and enthronement of their successors.
House Posts (pair)

Western Grassfields, Bamileke: Bangwa
Wood
early 19th century

These posts formed part of an entry portal into a Secret Society house. They are a po- tent example of ritual activity portrayed in sculpture as the figures are carved in action. The complexity of the forms fills the posts with power and a great variety of movements related to a ritual dance. The patina exhibits outside use with red Cameroon earth, erosion from rain and cracking from the sun.