Mupo statue (Bamileke).
Cameroon.
Wood, height: 31.5 cm.
Magical statues, often in the shape of pregnant women with
large stomachs as an obvious sign of fertility, were meant to
conjure spells. They are commonly used in the southwest area
of the Bamileke high plateaux. In addition to female fertility, the
sculptor wanted to evoke meditation and wisdom as security for
the continuation of chiefdom. Mupo were available in
difference sizes; the tallest, as seen here (from the Batié area,
Bamunam, eastern Bangwa), were exposed in the courtyard
before rituals, while the smaller ones were held during
communal propitiatory dances.