Bamileke Lefem Figure

Like neighboring ethnic groups within the grassfields region, the Bamileke people of Cameroon are distinguished by chiefdom. These smaller societies are each ruled by a king or Fon, whose image is memorialized by community carvers in a tradition of sculptural portraiture. Kings themselves often commissioned these portraits. The commemorative figures, known as lefem, represent the dynastic lineage of a particular region and honor a chieftain following their death and succession. This Bamileke male is carved in a stance characteristic of the region: slightly hunched, his arms hugging his stomach. The figure represents a king; his engraved head depicting either a regal adornment or coiffure. The figure is in wonderful condition; the feet, slightly bulging eyes, bared teeth and dramatic eyebrows are captivating attributes. The weathered patina suggests 20th c. age.

21.5″

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