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Shop a rare 18″ vintage Mambila Tadep ancestor figure from Cameroon. Hand-carved wood power statue with an abstract heart-shaped face and cowrie shell border. Buy now!
Vintage 18″ Mambila Tadep Ancestral Power Figure – Cameroon / Nigeria
$495.00
Description
Introduce commanding abstract geometry and exceptional West African history to your gallery with this beautiful 18-inch vintage hand-carved wood Tadep (Tatep) ancestor figure, masterfully crafted by the Mambila people of the Cameroon-Nigeria border region.
Historically managed by the secretive Suaga association to regulate village protection and agricultural abundance, Tadep statues serve as sacred physical abodes for visiting ancestral spirits. This exceptional example features a beautifully sculpted, heart-shaped concave face balanced by protruding oval eyes and a wide, agape mouth brought directly to a ceremonial horn.
Setting this piece apart is its complete preservation of traditional cowrie shells hand-embedded along the facial rim, symbolizing high prestige and spiritual wealth. Carved from a dense single block of heavy indigenous timber with a beautifully weathered, crusted dark patina, this 1.5-foot freestanding sculpture stands as a premier acquisition for any dedicated collector of tribal arts.
Product Specifications:
- Culture: Mambila Peoples
- Country of Origin: Mambilla Plateau (Cameroon / Nigeria Border)
- Estimated Age: Mid-20th Century (Circa 1950s–1970s)
- Material: Heavy Indigenous Hardwood, Authentic Cowrie Shells, Organic Patina
- Dimensions: 18 inches High x 7.5 inches Wide x 7 inches Deep
- Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The wood possesses a wonderful dry, aged patina with soft, natural surface micro-wear along the high ridges consistent with history. The cowrie shell borders are completely intact and secure. Stands entirely independently.
Shipping & Care Instructions
Due to the age, size, and delicate nature of this 18-inch artifact’s mixed-media elements (including fragile organic fibers, leather, and horn attachments), this piece will be professionally packed. It is double-boxed and surrounded by custom cushioning to ensure absolute safety during transit. Full insurance and tracking are included with shipment.
Care & Preservation Guidelines
To preserve the beautiful, authentic vintage patina and structural integrity of this mid-century Mambila piece, please observe the following care instructions:
- Display Location: Keep the sculpture out of direct, intense sunlight to prevent the aged hardwood from fading or developing deeper stress fractures.
- Climate Control: Place the statue away from direct paths of heating vents, air conditioners, or humidifiers. Drastic shifts in humidity can dry out or distort vintage organic cords and leather attachments.
- Cleaning: Do not apply any chemical cleaners, liquid polishes, or water to the surface. To clean, simply use a soft, entirely dry microfiber cloth or a delicate brush to gently clear away dust from the wood crevices and mixed-media ornaments.
Additional information
| Weight | 10 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20 × 10 × 10 in |
| Region | |
| Culture | Lobi People |
| Origin | Burkina Faso, West Africa |
| Estimated Period | Mid-20th Century (Circa 1950s–1970s) |
| Material | Carved Hardwood, Animal Horn, Glass Trade Beads, Leather, Fiber Cord |
| Height | 24 inches (61 cm) |
| Condition | Excellent vintage condition. Wood shows beautiful natural aging and minor stable cracks consistent with genuine ritual use. All mixed-media attachments are structurally intact. |
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