Bamileke Ceremonial Royal Pipe, Based

The cheeks arrive first. Everything else follows at a respectful distance.

Terra cotta, mid 20th century, and Bamileke, from Cameroon, Central Africa: this ceremonial royal pipe now rides high on a slim metal base. Pipes on this scale belonged to the ceremonial life of Grassfields courts, where objects of display helped announce who held power. A broad, smooth forehead sits above almond eyes, a wide nose and a small pursed mouth. Two enormous cheeks swell outward, finished in fine stippling. Arching ribs rise behind the head. All told, 30.5 inches high and 12 deep.

Somebody important was meant to be seen with this.