Commemorative figure (lefem)
Ateu Atsa (Bangwa, c. 1840–1910)
mid-1800s–1910
Medium
wood
Dimensions
92.1 × 20.3 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
African Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1987.62
Tags
male
About this artwork
Adorned with royal attire consisting of a cap, beaded necklace, folded loincloth, and drinking horn, this figure was carved as a commemorative portrait of a historical king or high dignitary. It was kept by a secret association called Lefem, whose members gathered weekly in a sacred space in the forest to discuss matters related to the welfare of the kingdom. Standing in a royal shrine, the figure witnessed sacrifices made to the skulls of the chief’s ancestors. Meant to safeguard the kingdom an...