Currently not on view

Figure,
20th century

Kaka artist

2016-48

This figure from western Cameroon has firmly planted feet, strong shoulders, and tense, bent arms. Utterly encased with thick organic materials, the object conveys a sense of mystery. Leather twine wrapped around the bottom helps to hold a deeply encrusted addition in place. The bulbous attachment may have been appended during a ritual sacrifice to empower the figure, but information about the use of Kaka figures is rare, and this addition is unique among known examples. Others may have had similar appendages that were removed
by dealers when the figures were cleaned.

Information

Title

Figure

Dates

20th century

Maker

Kaka

Medium

Wood, leather, and organic material

Dimensions

36.8 × 12.7 × 11.4 cm (14 1/2 × 5 × 4 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Museum Acquisition from the Holly and David Ross Collection, with the support of the Fowler McCormick Fund

Object Number

2016-48

Place Made

Africa, Cameroon

Culture

African

Type

ceremonial objects, sculpture

Materials

resin, mud, organic material, leather, wood

Techniques

carving

Subject

figures (representations)

[Galerie Argiles, Paris, France]; Philippe Leloup, Paris, France by around 1975; Holly and David Ross, Princeton, NJ, 2005-2016; Princeton University Art Museum, 2016

<p>"Acquisitions of the Princeton University Art Museum 2016," <em>Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University</em> 75/76 (2016-17): 126-157.</p>, p. 133

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Citation

Kaka artist, Cameroon, Central Africa, Figure, 20th century. Wood, leather, and organic material; 36.8 × 12.7 × 11.4 cm. Museum Acquisition from the Holly and David Ross Collection, with the support of the Fowler McCormick Fund (2016-48) https://artmuseum-beta.princeton.edu/art/collections/objects/107474

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