Architectural Element: Male Figures and Leopard

Unknown

19th–20th century · Wood, pigment · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

This pillar featured within an intricate network of jambs, posts, and beams that once composed a Grassfields palace. It is carved with depictions of leopards, potent symbols of sovereignty throughout the Grassfields. There the fon (ruler) holds sole claim to the pelt of any leopard hunted within his domain. As palaces are made from woven bamboo and other vulnerable organic materials, they require regular renewal. During a 1933 renovation of royal complex at Kedjom Keku (Big Babanki), this and two other related works were acquired by German American missionary Paul Gebauer and his wife, Clara.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th–20th century

Medium

Wood, pigment

Culture

Babanki

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1972