Large 25″ Vintage Mambila Tadep Pegged Power Figure – Cameroon / Nigeria

Bring commanding abstract artistry and deep West African heritage into your collection with this large, hand-carved wood Tadep (Tatep) ancestor figure from the Mambila people of the Donga Valley, straddling the Cameroon-Nigeria border.

Traditionally overseen by the secretive Suaga association—which used such figures to regulate community order and mediate disputes—Tadep figures served as powerful conduits to the ancestral spirit world, invoked for blessings, safe childbirth, and bountiful harvests. This striking example showcases a sculptural heart-shaped, concave face, framed by bold protruding oval eyes and a wide, open mouth.

What makes this piece exceptional is the rare survival of its original wooden pegs, densely set into the tall crowned hairstyle and thickly banded around the abdomen as a ceremonial belt. Hand-carved from dense native hardwood and finished with a rich, dry patina accented by traces of red ochre, this freestanding 2-foot sculpture is a standout piece for any serious collector of African tribal art.

Product Details

• Culture: Mambila Peoples

• Origin: Mambilla Plateau (Cameroon/Nigeria border)

• Estimated Age: Mid-20th century (circa 1950s–1970s)

• Materials: Dense indigenous hardwood, hand-set wooden pegs, natural pigments

• Dimensions: 25″H x 10″W x 9″D

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition, with a naturally aged dry patina and light surface wear consistent with age and history. Peg details on the hair and belt remain solid and firmly secured. Stands independently without support.

Shipping & Care Instructions

Due to the age, size, and delicate nature of this 25-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.