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Notes: The Grasslands is a large cultural area located in central Cameroon inhabited by a number of related peoples including the Bamun, the Bamileke and the Bamenda Tikar. Within these complexes are numerous smaller ethnic groups whose members pay allegiance to their chief (Fon). Statuary often represents the Fon and many types of meticulously beaded objects are related to his investiture.
These peoples reserve their highest allegiance for their lineage ancestors whose spirits are embodied in the skulls of the deceased. Recognizing the importance of the skull, representations of the head are found in nearly all decorated ceremonial and utilitarian objects.
Animal imagery abounds in the art of the Grasslands. The buffalo and the elephant, representing strength and stamina, are found on Bamun masks which are not made to cover the face but instead top a bamboo cage covered by palm fibers which conceal the head of the wearer. Admiring her creativity and her intelligence, the Bamileke incorporate the spider into their elegantly carved beds and stools. Living underground, the spider also provides an important link to the deceased ancestors and is thus doubly venerated. Leopards, lizards, birds and a few lively but unidentifiable animals are portrayed on a wide array of bright, beaded objects on display.
Textiles from the Grasslands include resist-dyed indigo Ndop cloths used by the Bamun both as clothing and to demarcate ritual spaces. Colorful Bamileke elephant masks have beaded faces and round ears sewn onto dark panels of cloth lined with Ndop.