Mambila Head Crest with Feathers Cameroon

The Mambila Tadep Guardian Figure, originating from the Mambila people of Cameroon, is a culturally significant artifact embodying the connection to ancestral traditions. Crafted with meticulous detail, this carved wooden sculpture reflects the artistic skills and cultural values of the Mambila, featuring elongated limbs, intricate geometric patterns, and a focus on symmetry and balance. The Tadep Guardian Figure serves as a protective presence and intermediary between the human and spiritual realms, believed to possess supernatural powers. During ceremonies, it plays a vital role, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and protection. Beyond the local community, the figure has garnered recognition from collectors and enthusiasts, standing as a tangible symbol of the Mambila's cultural beliefs and commitment to preserving their heritage. From the collection of Robert Pearson, this remarkable sculpture serves as a testament to the Mambila people's creativity and reverence for tradition, contributing to a broader understanding of Cameroon's diverse cultural landscape.

From the Collection of Robert Pearson, Denver, Colorado

Bob Pearson began collecting African art later in his life. He was an engineer, inveterate climber, and long-time collector of books and paintings. Spurred by the Douglas Society at the Denver Museum of Art, and his friendship with noted collector George Heggarty, he began building an enormous, eclectic collection. His African art library grew to several hundred books. He loved textiles and things that had domestic use, like spoons, cups, stools, and chairs, as well as masks and carvings. His collection included items from more than thirty African countries, and his fine eye gave him pieces ranging from a golddust scale to huge Dogon figural ladders. Africa Direct is honored to have been chosen to sell them.

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