Vintage Bamun Prestige Collar/Necklace From Cameroon

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This is a Bamun Prestige Collar, traditionally known as a mbangba, "mgba-mgba". It served as a symbol of high social … Read more This is a Bamun Prestige Collar, traditionally known as a mbangba, "mgba-mgba". It served as a symbol of high social standing, power, and courage and was thought to remove any evil power within the Bamun (or Bamoun) Kingdom in the Grassfields region of SW Cameroon. The heavy torque-style neck rings formed part of the personal regalia of the Fon (the Bamun King). The King would award them to title holders, tribal elders, or council dignitaries to authorize and reinforce their status. The miniature bronze heads spaced evenly along the iron ring depict water buffalo which in Bamun culture, represent fierce power, tenacity, and combativeness. The collar was created by artisans using the complex lost-wax casting technique. It is artfully mounted on a lucite stand for display and was most likely produced for sale, c.mid 20th century. photoshop. Approximately 19"H x 16"W x 6"D. See less