The ‘Bangwa’ are a cluster of nine chiefdoms that inhabit a narrow strip of country in West Cameroon. They do not constitute a tribe or a single political unit. The first European did not penetrate the Bangwa mountains until 1898.
These wooden panels date to the first half of the 20th century. They would be placed on either side of the entrance to the chief’s house. The figures represent deceased ancestor spirits of the chief; these spirits are thought to guard and protect the Chief and his family, and to preserve and promote the influence and authority of the Chief.
