Global Art & Artifacts

Large Bulu  Boulou Gorilla Ape Statue. Sculpture.  Carved Figure. Simian.  Museum Quality.  Cameroon

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

 

 

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.

Search EsotericStuff.com
SERIOUS COLLECTORS

NOTE to the Art Collector, Gallery Owner, Dealer or Academic: click here for items unique to your requirements.

Product Categories
CContainers
Bowls, Boxes, Bells, Gongs, Medicine Holders. Containers not considered vessels
FFurniture / Furnishings
Furniture, Furnishings, Wall Hangings, Screens, Lamps, Display Pieces, Pedestals, Paintings
MMasks
Masks and Headgear
RReference / Research
Maps, Books and Materials
SStatues & Figures
Statues, Sculptures, Figures, Heads & Busts
VVessels & Vases
Vessels, Urns, Vases, Incense Burners, Censers
WWeapons
Knives, Swords, Letter Openers, Phurbas, Spears, Blowpipes
OOther not categorized
Other and miscellaneous such as Jewelry, Musical Instruments, Games, Garments, Skulls