Protective Figure
Bafo or Battie, Cameroon
19th Century
Provenance: Lilly Michaels collection, NY. Private collection, NY acquired from above in the 1990’s
This strong yet whimsical figure from the Grasslands area of Cameroon is an ancient example. The smoothly encrusted patina of this figure is due to repeated rubbings and libations. This was most likely a personal protective charm due to its small size. Note the area around the neck, there are indentations in the surface that suggests something was tied around it. It most likely held a rope that attached it to a belt or bag to which it was carried. Examples of this age are very hard to come by.
Protective Figure
Bafo or Battie, Cameroon
19th Century
Provenance: Lilly Michaels collection, NY. Private collection, NY acquired from above in the 1990’s
This strong yet whimsical figure from the Grasslands area of Cameroon is an ancient example. The smoothly encrusted patina of this figure is due to repeated rubbings and libations. This was most likely a personal protective charm due to its small size. Note the area around the neck, there are indentations in the surface that suggests something was tied around it. It most likely held a rope that attached it to a belt or bag to which it was carried. Examples of this age are very hard to come by.