Cameroonian Chiefdoms' Sacred Art and Ritual Objects Featured in Paris Exhibition
A significant wooden mask, known as the Tukah, hails from the Bamendu chiefdom in the Grassfields Plateau of Cameroon and is currently showcased at the musée du Quai Branly in Paris. This mask, utilized by the Kak secret society during fertility rituals, is set to return to Cameroon following the exhibition 'Sur la Route des Chefferies du Cameroun', organized by the Route des Chefferies association. Lead curator Sylvain Djache Nzefa encountered difficulties in obtaining permissions from traditional chiefs. The exhibition includes artifacts from prominent chiefdoms, such as intricately carved thrones and creations by Cameroonian artists, highlighting collaboration between cultural institutions from the Global North and South. The original Tukah mask, taken by Pierre Harter in 1958, is part of the museum's permanent collection, addressing restitution demands.
Key facts
- The exhibition 'Sur la Route des Chefferies du Cameroun' is at the musée du Quai Branly in Paris.
- It features a sacred Tukah mask from the Bamendu chiefdom in Cameroon's Grassfields Plateau, on loan and to return after the show.
- The mask is used by the Kak secret society in agrarian fertility rites and was installed by Kak initiates from Cameroon.
- Sylvain Djache Nzefa is the founding director of Route des Chefferies and lead curator of the exhibition.
- Scenography includes totemic doorposts and a mural by Cameroonian painter Catherine Bella.
- The exhibition includes carved thrones from various chiefdoms, many never seen before in the West.
- Route des Chefferies has established community museums in Cameroon that allow objects to be used in rituals.
- The original Tukah mask was removed from Cameroon in 1958 by Pierre Harter and donated to France in 1992.
Entities
Artists
- Sylvain Djache Nzefa
- Catherine Bella
- Pierre Harter
Institutions
- musée du Quai Branly
- Route des Chefferies
- Kak secret society
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Cameroon
- Grassfields Plateau
- Bamendu