A very rare and ancient royal monumental pipe of dignitary o - Lot 229

A very rare and ancient royal monumental pipe of dignitary or initiate with carved decorations, and covered with a thin layer of metal applied on the pipe, decorated with buffalo and crocodile motifs with its ocellations (meaning strength, ferocity, and "we have seen it") and the double kwifo bell, and on the clay bowl a stylized batrachian decoration, symbolizing the paths of life. The large monumental pipes such as this one were a gift from the king in recognition of a service rendered; they were never lit but were an important object of pomp and prestige. "Each royal treasury keeps a collection of them, the oldest ones acquired from previous kings. "When they were not produced locally, royal pipes were commissioned from foreign artists or received from allied monarchs as embassy gifts. Their value is high, of the order of a woman or several slaves". See Pierre Harter, Arts anciens du Cameroun, Éd. Arts d'Afrique Noire, 1986, p. 111. Bangwa, Cameroon Wood, terracotta, metal (copper alloy), polychromy, fibers, accidents and small chips, very beautiful and old patina. H. 141 cm Provenance : - Fontem village chiefdom. - Prince Amadou, Douala. - Jacques Viault Collection