Dimensions and Weight

Weight: 0.333 kg

Height: 49 cm

Width: 38 cm

This Tikar Fan is an Example of Traditional Craftsmanship from the Tikar People of Cameroon

Key Points About Tikar Fans

Function and Use

Tikar fans are often used by chiefs and dignitaries during ceremonies. They serve not only to provide ventilation but also as symbols of power and high social status.

Design and Materials

This fan is made of feathers and a handle carved from bone. The feathers add grandeur and beauty to the object, while the handle is often adorned with carvings depicting human figures, showcasing the skill of Tikar artisans.

Symbolism

The carved figures on the handle may represent ancestors, protective spirits, or symbols of power. Fans are sometimes used in rites of passage or religious ceremonies, serving as mediators between the world of the living and the spirit world.

Aesthetics and Techniques

The Tikar are renowned for their skill in wood and bone carving, and their ability to integrate various natural materials into their ritual and utilitarian objects. The fans, with their intricate details and carefully attached feathers, exemplify this artistic proficiency.

Cultural Importance

Beyond their practical use, fans hold cultural and historical value. They are often passed down through generations and can be treasured family heirlooms, embodying the heritage and traditions of the Tikar people.

This fan is a superb example of this craftsmanship, with a finely carved handle and rich decoration of feathers and red fabric, making it not only functional but also aesthetically impressive and culturally significant.

Provenance

Private collection ZAMBELLI/BRUGNACCHI, assembled between 1990 and 2023.

Transferred to the Spirit Land of Africa Gallery in 2023.