Mu'po statuette for magical use, owned by diviners and healers, most of whom were members of the Ku'ngan secret society. These statuettes most often had a protective function against illness or evil spirits...

They generally come from the centre of Bamileke country, in particular from the chiefdoms of Batié, Bamunam and Bangwa. The Bamikele are a people who live in western Cameroon, in a region of savannah on the grassland's volcanic high plateaux.

Pierre Harter (1928 - 1991) was a French doctor specialising in tropical pathology. He spent more than 30 years in Cameroon, where, in gratitude for his care, he received numerous objects, many of which he bequeathed to the MAAO (formerly the Musée de la Porte Dorée).Plateau Bamikélé - CameroonPlateau Bamikélé - Cameroun

Wood, Height 12,5 cm - end XIXe, begginning XXe siècle

from Pierre Harter collection, Paris