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Ceremonial ritual drum, Bafut people, North West region Cameroon. Circa 19th century. Wood and hide, carved in the form of a bare breasted tribal woman seated on a stool, supporting the knees with her arms. The drum head is fashioned from animal hide attached with rawhide, stretched over protruding pegs. Size: 33" high x 12" diameter. Condition: excellent, with some minor age cracks. The Bafut are known for their wood carving, a craft practiced by the males of the tribe. However, women are regarded as providing the strength and power of the tribe, thus the symbol of the woman supporting the drum, just as she supports the tribe. These ritual drums were used to summon spirits at special occasions, such as at funerals or at ceremonies initiating young men into adulthood. This is a rare and early example of the primitive carver's art.
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