African Bronze Maternity Sculpture / Bamum Tribal Piece-Cameroon / Mother & Chil

Description

African Bronze Maternity Sculpture / Bamum Tribal Piece-Cameroon / Mother & Chil
Beautifully cast and fabricated African bronze figure of a mother and child.
Bamum culture. Second half of the 20th century - Grasslands of Cameroon.
Although this piece was made to sell, rather than tribal or ceremonial use, it is an earlier piece and finely designed and executed. I bought it in 1995 and it was old at that time, with wear to the foot rim and a developed, aged patina. I would guess that is was made in the1950's, 1960's or 1970's at the latest.
This sculpture presents a very strong and expressive presence and the details are finely finished, as usual with the older pieces. A wonderful example of modern African sculpture.
HEIGHT :  12  1/4"
WEIGHT  :  6 lbs  10 oz.
CONDITION : Excellent original condition with no damage. Darkened patina to the surfaces from age. Wear to the patina in some places. Light wear from age to the bottom of the foot / base rim.
NOTES / REFERENCES :
There is a good French film about modern bronze artisans in Cameroon titled ‘Les Hommes de Bronze du Cameroun’ . Here is an excerpt from a description of the film.
"The Bronze Men of Cameroon is an intimate portrait of a community of bronze artisans in Foumban, the ‘City of Arts’. Bronze casting is a valued cultural heritage of the Bamum People in the Western Region of Cameroon. This film presents bronze craftsmen at work, with rare insights into their expertise in producing unique bronze sculptures that are inscribed with symbolic narratives, collective memory and identity of the Bamum."
"The Bronze Men of Cameroon is also about the changing landscape of Bamum bronze casting and the threats to cultural continuity as global trends negatively impact on a treasured way of life. The bronze craftsmen are facing challenges in sustaining their livelihoods and safeguarding their unique cultural heritage that has formed and defined their identity over several generations. The raw materials for making bronze sculptures are scare. The craftsmen are facing competition from Chinese migrants who buy land export large quantities of these materials to their country. The foundries are closing down, and this established traditional art practice is in decline. Some bronze artists are turning to farming and other trades. The artisans are fearful and uncertain “whether in the future Bamum’s bronze art could disappear” and, with it, a tradition and their sense of belonging, livelihoods and history. Are these the last generation of bronze craftsmen in the Bamum Kingdom?”
This piece will be a quality addition to any collection of African Tribal Sculpture or Art and will display beautifully in any decor: Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, Folk Art, Ethnographic, Eames Era, Shabby Chic, or Contemporary.
Offers are always welcome!
Please look carefully at all the photos to view the details and condition of the piece and e-mail with any questions ... I always respond quickly!
Shipped from California, USA. This object comes from a smoke-free, pet-free environment.
I am an expert packer. All pieces are carefully packed with plenty of protection and promptly shipped for safe arrival to you.
All of my pieces are guaranteed authentic, as described, and to your satisfaction, with a full money-back guarantee if returned promptly and in good condition.
_gsrx_vers_856 (GS 7.0.20 (856))