Art Of The Cameroon Grasslands

Much of the work produced by the ethnic groups of the Western Highlands of Cameroon is characterised by diversity, dynamism, excess and even unbridled violence. Some pieces, however, radiate tranquillity and harmony, offering viewers an uncommon visual pleasure. The Weis collection covers a broad spectrum of objects, with a wide range of uses. It includes everyday, ritual and cult objects such as magical or commemorative figures, masks, poles, palace doors, figurative objects, musical instruments, pipes and hanaps.

Through the Weis collection, this book offers an overview of the artistic creativity of this region of Cameroon. The introduction, illustrated with numerous field photographs, covers important aspects of the cultural and artistic development of each of the regions from which the objects originate, including in the context of European colonisation. The following text is devoted to works of art adorned with pearls, a subject that has been little studied to date. As the Western Highlands form part of a wider cultural area, the book also presents objects from neighbouring ethnic groups, shedding valuable light on centuries-old artistic interactions and exchanges.