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Unknown Maker
Male Figure with a Child Male Figure with a Child
19th-20th century 19th-20th century

Living in the western portion of Cameroon, near the Nigerian border, the Yamba peoples comprise three groups: the Mfumte, Mbem, and Mbaw. Documentation on Yamba material culture is scarce, and images of males with children are extremely rare in African art. In this sculpture, which researchers suggest originates from the Mbem group, the child¿s head and body are roughly shaped, almost merging with the back of the man who stands with flexed arms that project from angular shoulders and a concave torso. Faint incised lines indicate the man¿s facial features and fingers, and his short legs flare into large feet that provide a stable base. The wooden surface is covered with a crusty material, something usually associated with a ritual use.

Unknown Maker
Yamba peoples Yamba peoples
Male Figure with a Child Male Figure with a Child
19th-20th century 19th-20th century
wood covered with unknown organic material wood covered with unknown organic material
height / width / depth: 46.00 x 18.60 x 15.00 cm; 18.11 x 7.32 x 5.91 in.
Gift of Justin and Elisabeth Lang, 1984 Gift of Justin and Elisabeth Lang, 1984
M84-091

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