On the Road to Chiefdoms of Cameroon: The Visible and the Invisible

Presenting over 300 works and 260 treasures, ‘On the Road to Chiefdoms of Cameroon: The Visible and the Invisible’ at Musée du quai Branly in Paris (5 April­­–17 July), presents the art of the chiefdoms of the Grassfields area of West Cameroon. The exhibition explores how the artistic culture of West Cameroon has been preserved by the Chiefs of these communities – considered close to divine figures, the chiefs act as the guardians of these cultural traditions. Wood sculptures, beaded tapestries, and textiles are among the artworks on display, with highlights including the beaded Elephant hood masks from the Kuo’si Balatchi chiefdom, made from wood, fabric and embellished with pearls. Interspersing the exhibition with works of art by contemporary Cameroonian artists, the exhibition explores how the artistic influence of the Chiefdoms continues to have a creative impact today. The exhibition will be presented by the Route des Chefferies, a programme created to encourage the promotion of Cameroonian cultural heritage and tourism. Find out more on the Musée du Quai Branly’s website.

Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here 

Katso mask of the Bamendjinda chiefdom. Couretesy: © La Route des Chefferies, photo: Nicolas Eyidi

Calabasse caurisée of the Bamougoum chiefdom. Courtesy the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac; photo: Léo Delafontaine

Elephant hood masks from the Kuo’si secret society of the Balatchi chiefdom. Courtesy: © Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac; photo: Léo Delafontaine

Pearl royal throne, representing Notuégon, the founder of the Bandjoun chiefdom. Courtesy: © Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac; photo: Léo Delafontaine