West Africa, Cameroon, Bamileke/Bamun, ca. early 20th century. A hand-carved wooden pipe in the form of a highly stylized human head with a rounded headdress that also serves as the bowl of the pipe and a tubular pipe stem rising from the conical form behind the visage and bowl. The captivating countenance features large, mesmerizing almond-shaped eyes above puffy cheeks (as if he too is puffing smoke), dramatically arched brows, a broad nose, parted lips revealing a toothy smile, as well as an incised mustache and neatly manicured beard. The headdress is beautifully incised with striations and other decorative motifs. Size: 3.625" W x 12.375" H (9.2 cm x 31.4 cm); 11.6" H (29.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Traditionally, in the Cameroon grasslands, pipes were both status symbols and cult objects. During harvesting, clearing and planting times, pipe smoking was encouraged, since smoke was believed to promote fertility. Anthropomorphic pipe bowls were never created for the common man, but rather were reserved for more elite members of society.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex Michael Rhodes collection, New York, USA

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#161902

Pipe stem is removable from top of body with stable fissures around wooden base. Extensive encrustations to body and stem, with indentations to mouthpiece tip. Great patina throughout.