CHAMBA FIGURE

African wooden sculpture, Chamba people, Cameroon

The Chamba people, are an African ethnic group found in east-central Nigeria and neighboring parts of north Cameroon. The Chamba settled on the south bank of the Benue river around the 17th century. The closest Chamba neighbours are the Mumuye, the Jukun and Kutep people.

The traditional religion of the Chamba centers around a sun god and ancestor spirits that interact with living beings. The dead are believed to continue living beneath the ground but wiser and more powerful.

Social control in Chamba society is achieved through various cults believed to have the ability to cure diseases and prevent misfortune. Membership is attained through initiation processes and secret rituals and rites.

The Chamba have a very strong masking tradition, most notable being the bushcow mask but are also renowned for their pottery, metalwork and sculpture.

Condition: In very good vintage condition. Stable hairline split and wood loss on crown.  Minor wear in keeping with age. This statue is mounted.