Bamoun people, Cameroon Grasslands 

Early 20th century
Raffia, plain weave, resist dyeing, knotting, braiding, natural dyes

18 3/4” x 12 1/2”  ((47 x 32.25 cm)

 

Provenance:  Martial Bronsin, Brussels, circa 1990s

 

The combination of tie-dye patterning and raffia represents an archaic tradition within the Cameroon Grassfield textile aesthetic – and it is interesting that these distinctive raffia bags, which are quite subtle in their decoration and coloration, are insignia of the highest prestige.  The tie-dyed circles in this special ceremonial bag, of course, signify the leopard, an icon and concept of great symbolic significance in the Grassfield chiefdoms.   According to Alastair and Venice Lamb, the  design was apparently representative of an initiate of the Meniah society, which handled matters of medicine and healing. The rich dark patina was created by exposing the bags to smoke in the initiation houses; it is enhanced by the piece’s great age. A similar raffia bag is published in Au Cameroun: Weaving - Tissage  (1981), page 153, fig. 212.