Mambila Chameleon Headdress

Mambila art centres upon an association called suaga. It is primarily concerned with justice and supernatural cleansing within the community.
Tribe: Mambila

Origin: Nigeria

Approx Age: Early – Mid 20th Century

Materials: Wood

Dimensions cm: 33 Long x 17 Wide

Ref. Number: 0153

£1800.00

Description:

This Mambila chameleon headdress is absolutely adorable and very rare. Stunning expression, detailed features, beautiful symmetry and a lovely patina created from handling and use. It has old evidence of insect erosion, some pigment remains around the eyes, teeth and on the back in the crevices of the criss cross design.

Provenance: Ex-Hans Wende, Germany

Published in the book: Chameleons of Africa, authored by Colin Tilbury.

History

Mambila art centres upon an association called Suaga. It is primarily concerned with justice and supernatural cleansing within the community. The Mambila produced a considerable number of figures that are characterized by a heart-shaped face; pigments are often applied later. Mambila figures embody ancestors who, according to their beliefs, are responsible for the clan’s wealth. The figures appear with bent legs and typical enlarged head outlined in wooden pegs. The Mambila also make highly stylized animal masks. Masks and statues were kept hidden from the eyes of women in a net hung on the inside of a hut that was on stilts; it was guarded by the head of the family. The front wall of the hut was decorated with two figures, male on the right and female on the left, crowned by a rainbow and framed by the sun and the moon.

Reference : Zyama.com

Contact Exquisite African Art

7 + 7 =

Telephone:
+44(0)7531639829
+44 (0)1507 328026

Follow us

Subscribe to our mailing list

Website Design by Midas Creative

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This