afr 01         17 cm

afr 02           35 cm

The Anyi, the mother of twins, has an almost godlike status for the Cameroonian Bangwa.

For the Zulu people, the spoon is far more than just a utensil. Sculpted in the most fantastic shapes it is an important attribute at numerous ceremonies.

afr 03          21 cm

afr 04        14 cm

The Ghanaian sculptors of the Asante tribe are famous for their “akua’ba”, sacred fertility figurines of young women which they carry with them at all times.

For the Congolese Luba-people the head rest meant much more than a tool to protect their ceremonial hairstyle.

Eket Ibibio marionette

The Ibibio people live in Southeastern Nigeria between the delta and the Cross River. The southern part of the area is inhabited by the Eket Ibibio.

The Ibibio's social life is determined by various secret societies. The principal being the ekpo (literally forefather) which consists of a rich elite who control political and religious life. When expressing their position, the members where beautiful masks.

The ekon society plays an important social role in the Ibibio's daily life. Once every seven years, the ekon organises an expansive music and theatre festival. Wooden puppets are hereby used as marionettes. The loose arms are connected to the body using a nail thereby enabling movement. As is the case with other sculptures made by the Ibibio, they are characterised by rounded shapes and a long row of bared teeth. Representations of evil spirits can be very frightening.