African Bamileke Cameroon Tobacco Pipe Black Clay Zoomorphic

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Description

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

Bamileke People of Cameroon, Central/West … Read more An authentic antique tribal artifact from Africa - a large-sized ceremonial 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
Very interesting Zoomorphic form - displaying two monkeys, most likely a mother and child, with striking facial features
Rounded underside, patterned top lip rims

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
References:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York - Bamileke (Bangangte) Pipe (1972.4.39)
(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/309828);
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, object number 2002-4-1 (https://africa.si.edu/collections/view/objects/asitem/items$0040:14358)

Provenance: The Gordon B. Lankton Collection of African Art
Measurements: Approx. 15.5" (39 cm) tall x 6" (16 cm) x 3" high (8 cm)
Weighs about 4 lbs. 4 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