An exceptional terracotta and bone prestige pipe bowl from the Bamileke people of Cameroon. The ownership of pipe bowls like this one was the prerogative of chiefs and they were not used, but were part of a cache of prestige goods that were displayed on special occasions. It is a carved model of a mask on the bone stem representing most likely a royal figure and the terracotta bowl is carved as an elephant. Early 20th century.

The pipe measures 32.00 cm or 12.50 inches, 11.00 cm or 4.50 inches wide and has an 11.00cm or 4.50 inch bowl.
 
Bamileke art history:
Their art, instruments and tools of societies with political, administrative, judicial, or theatrical functions, were kept in special storage houses; they were brought out at the first rainfall. Then, the king himself would appear masked and dancing. The buffalo joins the leopard, elephant, and two-headed python as an image of royal power is frequently found in the decoration of works from the region. A large number of prestigious items of art were produced within the Grassland area of the Bamileke, including large house-posts, door and window frames carved with human and animal figures, thrones, stools and tables decorated with small heads and figures, large bowls, carved horns for royal feasts, anthropomorphic terracotta and bronze pipes. Musical instruments such as anthropomorphic and zoomorphic drums, as well as metal gongs, were played during royal and state ceremonies.
 
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