+Africa Cameroon 1950 Tikar People Tribal Bronze Wedding Necklace Currency

A sculptural ceremonial bronze necklace from the Tikar People.

Very beautiful and decorative piece of art, created during the first half of the 20th century (circa 1950) in Cameroon, the west Africa. This heavy large necklace was crafted by the ethnic tribal people of the Tikar and made up in solid bronze by the millenary lost wax technique. These ceremonial bronze torque necklaces were used during wedding ceremonies and were used as currency as well. The common villager's looked up the bearer of this necklace, as he or she had authority and social power in the community. It is decorated with tribal patterns of geometric circles, figures and five spikes on top. 

This piece is very decorative and is rarely see in the secondary market. In excellent condition with great brownish color and some Verdigris old patina, as usual.

Measurements: 432 mm by 381 mm by 76 mm (17 x 15 x 3 Inches).

The Tikar people of Cameroon

The Tikar are a Central African people who inhabit the Adamawa Region and Northwest Region of Cameroon. They are known as great artists, artisans and storytellers. Once a nomadic people, some oral traditions trace the origin of the Tikar people to the Nile River Valley in present-day Sudan. Such ethnic groups were referred to in the 1969 official statistics as "Semi-Bantus" and "Sudanese Negroes." They speak a Northern Bantoid language called Tikar. One of the few African ethnic groups to practice a monotheistic traditional religion, the Tikar refer to God the Creator by the name Nyuy. They also have an extensive spiritual system of ancestral reverence. The Bamum people and other ethnic groups have also asserted their link to the Tikar people through Tikar rulers in the Kingdom of Bamum. However, the Kom, Nso, Bamum, Ndop-Bamunka and Bafut peoples are the only ethnic groups who anthropologists and historians believe have a legitimate claim to Tikar lineage. There are currently six adjoining Tikar kingdoms: Bankim (Kimi), Ngambé-Tikar, Kong (Nkong/Boikouong), Nditam (Bandam), Ngoumé, and Gâ (Ntchi). The boundaries of these kingdoms have remained since German colonizers arrived in Cameroon.

Collateral: This piece is presented in a custom made steel supporting base.

Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the bronze. All parts are secured and this piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D091823SENY/.1111