Collection record · Objects & craft
Commemorative figure (lefem)
The collection record classifies this work as sculpture. It is dated mid-1800s–1910. Recorded culture or place: Africa, Central Africa, Cameroon, Bangwa Kingdom.
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A closer look at the details.
- Museum title
- Commemorative figure (lefem)
- Date
- mid-1800s–1910
- Culture / origin
- Africa, Central Africa, Cameroon, Bangwa Kingdom
- Materials and technique
- wood
- Dimensions
- Overall: 92.1 x 20.3 cm (36 1/4 x 8 in.)
- Artist / maker
- Ateu Atsa (Bangwa, c. 1840–1910)
- Museum
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Accession number
- 1987.62
FROM THE MUSEUM
In the museum’s words
The following description is reproduced from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s original English record.
Carved during their subject's lifetime, such idealized portraits function as their living stand-ins or intermediaries. Adorned with royal attire consisting of a bristled cloth cap, beaded necklace, pleated loincloth, drinking horn, and now-broken pipe, this figure was carved as a commemorative portrait of a historical king or high dignitary. It was kept by a secret association called Lefem, whose members gathered weekly in a sacred space in the forest to discuss matters related to the kingdom's welfare. Placed in a royal shrine, the figure witnessed sacrifices made to the skulls of the chief’s ancestors. Meant to safeguard the kingdom and protect the fecundity of its inhabitants, it was also exhibited during funerals and royal ceremonies.
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Text and image sources
The Cleveland Museum of Art · Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund · CC0
The summary is based on public collection data. Refer to the museum’s latest record for the title, date and attribution.
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