{"product_id":"bamileke-wooden-stool-cameroon-153727","title":"Bamileke Wooden Stool Cameroon","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Grasslands of Cameroon are home to three major cultures—the Bamun, Bamileke, and Bamenda Tikar—each of which is governed by a central leader known as the Fon, or chief. The Fon’s role is central to the political and social structure of the region, with each leader chosen by his predecessor, following the dominant lineage within the community. This hereditary system ensures continuity and stability, with Fons typically serving for life, only abdicating as death approaches. A council of elders advises the Fon, assisting in both governance and in the selection of the next leader, underscoring the importance of communal decision-making in maintaining the region’s traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the notable institutions of the Grasslands is the Kuosi society, originally reserved for warriors but now accessible to titled men and those able to afford the means to join. The society plays an important role in community life, with members performing dances at funerals, state occasions, and during society meetings. Central to these rituals are the elephant masks, known as \u003cem\u003embap nteng\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003embap mteng\u003c\/em\u003e, or \u003cem\u003etukum\u003c\/em\u003e, which are also referred to as \u003cem\u003eaka\u003c\/em\u003e by the western Bamileke. While elephants no longer inhabit the region, they remain a powerful symbol of royal authority. These masks are adorned with intricate beadwork, including materials such as cowrie shells and beads, which were historically used as currency before German colonization.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLots of small cracks.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Polaris-Box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_ActivatorWrapper_1ivxc_74\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"PRODUCT.metafields.custom.height_in_-anchor\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Edit Height (In) metafield\" class=\"_ActivatorButton_1ivxc_78\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_LegacyRowWrapper_1ivxc_4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_FormFieldLabelLegacy_1ivxc_38\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"Polaris-Text--root Polaris-Text--bodyMd\"\u003eHeight (In) 9.5\u003cbr\u003eWidth (In) 8.5\u003cbr\u003eDepth (In) 9.5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e153727\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"sku 153000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51154167759143,"sku":"153727","price":165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/1015\/9911\/files\/IMG_6980_b7c4e67f-ac7a-4834-ac0c-5d7c45faacd8.jpg?v=1773684505","url":"https:\/\/africadirect.com\/products\/bamileke-wooden-stool-cameroon-153727","provider":"Africa Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}