Grasslands Standing Male Figure

Power, strength, dominion and religion, are all connected with art and the king in Cameroon society. The king, or Fon, was the focal point of life, around which everything revolved. The ancient kings were reputedly endowed with supernatural power that allowed them to change into animals. With or without psychic ability the king had great responsibilities, including guaranteeing fertility of the fields and fecundity of the women. Regalia and various elaborate works of art were created for the king and visiting dignitaries. These included masks of a variety of different purposes, often designed for different societies within a tribe. For instance, the Kwifon owned masks that, according to tradition, had been created and consecrated by ancestors themselves. The masks were the most popular art form, which were important for ritual practice. Most figurative sculpture from this region is meant to glorify the king and reflect his power and importance.