Antique African BAMILEKE Cameroon Ceremonial Tobacco Pipe Black Clay Ceramic Earthenware

For your consideration is an authentic antique tribal artifact from Africa - a large-sized ceremonial tobacco smoking pipe bowl
Bamileke People of Cameroon, Central/West Africa. The Bamileke are a Grassfields people, in the Northwest parts of the country. They are known for their beadwork masquerades, unique tribal customs and rituals, as well as their incredible skill in wood carving. Animalia is a prominent theme in Bamileke masks and artifacts
Hand turned from local black clay earthenware, with a scaled outer surface and texture and deep patination
A cylindrical form with a large bowl, a long reed or wood stem would be inserted into the smaller opening
Incised decoration up front, depicting an insect, or rather - an arachnid, most likely a local type of beetle
Patterned lower rim
Such pipes would be owned by wealthier individuals or shamans. Due to their large size, an expensive large supply of tobacco would need to be owned so they can be smoked, which would be for a long period of time
An exceptional piece, exhibiting the characteristic motifs and style of the Bamileke. Most likely comes from the Bamenda region
Bamileke People, Cameroon - late 19th/early 20th century
References:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York - Bamileke (Bangangte) Pipe (1972.4.39)
(https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/309828);
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, object number 2002-4-1 (https://africa.si.edu/collections/view/objects/asitem/items$0040:14358)
Provenance: The Gordon B. Lankton Collection of African Art
This and all African artifacts we sell are 100% guaranteed to be Genuine, Authentic and Antique, NOT modern reproductions or souvenirs made for the tourist trade. We will provide provenance whenever possible, and a Certificate of Authenticity from our gallery can be attached upon buyer request

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Measurements: Approx. 15.5" (39 cm) tall x 5.5" (14 cm) x 3.8" high (10 cm)
Weighs about 5 lbs. 2 oz.
Condition: Please see photos below. All original. Roughness at the bottom rim edge, where it would meet the ground. Superb display and patina.

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= Antique African BAMILEKE Cameroon Ceremonial Tobacco Pipe Black Clay - Beetle