Simian sculptures and figures from the equatorial forest of West Africa have been a mystery to anthropologists and sociologists for years. What is their purpose?
It only takes some imagination to realize the historical relationships and interactions with lowland gorillas and this tribe.
Bottom line: the Bulu’s gorilla effigies are among the most prized objects in African art.
Bulu inhabit the hilly, forested areas of Cameroon. This particular statue was carved in a village near the Dja River. From my research, these detailed carved gorillas represent a protective effigy – not from the gorillas – but from forest spirits.
The cavity in the back and the hole in the chest is for a spirit concoction.
I have seen other primate statues from the Bulu but NOTHING like this one!
For the Serious Collector of rare Cameroon / West African statues.