Bamenda Ceremonial Pipe - Skull Form

Here comes a long, slim pipe whose bowl wears a round-eyed little face.

This skull-form ceremonial pipe is Bamenda, from Cameroon, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is terra cotta. The grasslands of Cameroon, where Bamenda peoples live, have a strong tradition of pipes made in clay and metal, which have often been associated with status and hospitality. Straight, tapering stem in matte brown, with fine ring-shaped incised lines along its length. The bowl at one end is shaped like a head with circular eyes and a grinning mouth, plus a small projecting spur beneath. It is 7.5 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 2.25 high.

Skinny, solemn, and wearing a very good grin.