Antique African Bamileke Cameroon Tobacco Pipe Black Clay - Beetle

Details

Description

An authentic antique tribal artifact from Africa - a large-sized tobacco smoking pipe bowl

Bamileke People of Cameroon, Central/West Africa. … Read more An authentic antique tribal artifact from Africa - a large-sized tobacco smoking pipe bowl

Bamileke People of Cameroon, Central/West Africa. The Bamileke are a Grassfields people, in the Northwest parts of the country. They are known for their beadwork masquerades, unique tribal customs and rituals, as well as their incredible skill in wood carving. Animalia is a prominent theme in Bamileke masks and artifacts

Hand turned from local black clay earthenware, with a scaled outer surface and texture and deep patination
A cylindrical form with a large bowl, a long reed or wood stem would be inserted into the smaller opening
Incised decoration up front, depicting an insect, or rather - an arachnid, most likely a local type of beetle
Patterned lower rim
Such pipes would be owned by wealthier individuals or shamans. Due to their large size, an expensive large supply of tobacco would need to be owned so they can be smoked, which would be for a long period of time
An exceptional piece, exhibiting the characteristic motifs and style of the Bamileke. Most likely comes from the Bamenda region

Bamileke People, Cameroon - late 19th/early 20th century

Provenance: The Gordon B. Lankton Collection of African Art

Measurements: Approx. 15.5" (39 cm) tall x 5.5" (14 cm) x 3.8" high (10 cm)
Weighs about 5 lbs. 2 oz.

Condition: Please see photos. All original. Roughness at the bottom rim edge, where it would meet the ground. Superb display and patina. See less