Vintage 10″ Bamum Royal Procession Litter Sculpture – Cameroon Grassfields

$295.00

Shop a rare 10″ vintage Bamum king litter sculpture from Cameroon. Hand-carved wood palace procession figure featuring two royal attendants carrying a leader. Buy now!

Description

Introduce an absolute triumph of West African narrative carving and exceptional palace history to your gallery with this beautiful 10-inch vintage hand-carved wood Royal Procession figure, masterfully sculpted from a single continuous block by the Bamum people of Cameroon.

Historically commissioned by palace artisans to celebrate the absolute power and divine right of the king (Fon), these complex multi-figure narrative carvings serve as rare prestige monuments documenting royal court history. This exceptional example portrays a royal ruler or dignitary being carried aloft on a traditional horizontal bamboo litter by two muscular court attendants leaning forward in dynamic movement.
The figures showcase the classical, highly expressive Grassfields facial architecture defined by large bulging eyes, prominent ears, and traditional white-pigmented circular cheek scarification. Clothed in a gorgeous, deeply aged dark mahogany patina that naturally highlights the organic contours of the native hardwood, this 20th-century sculpture stands as a true centerpiece for advanced collections.
Product Specifications:
  • Culture: Bamum Peoples
  • Country of Origin: Cameroon Grassfields, Central/West Africa
  • Estimated Age: Mid-20th Century (Circa 1950s–1970s)
  • Material: Heavy Indigenous Hardwood, Organic Stains
  • Dimensions: 10 inches High x 11.5 inches Wide x 4.5 inches Deep
  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The wood possesses a wonderful rich, hand-rubbed patina with soft, natural surface micro-wear along the high ridges consistent with history. Structurally solid and completely stable. Stands independently.

Shipping & Care Instructions

Due to the age, size, and delicate nature of this 10-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 Bamum 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

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.

Vintage 10" Bamum Royal Procession Litter Sculpture – Cameroon Grassfields

$295.00