Bamenda Ceremonial Pipe - Head Form

A pipe that came with its own face.

Bamenda artisans of Cameroon, Central Africa, made this ceremonial pipe in terra cotta in the 20th century. Elaborate pipes in the Cameroon Grassfields are commonly linked to status and the entertaining of guests. The bowl is modeled as a human head with a furrowed brow and bared teeth. A long, straight stem extends from it, ringed with incised bands and scratched lines. The clay has a dark, glossy, nearly black finish with a lighter dusting in the incisions.

About seven inches long. Lies across a table like a very serious cigar.