Tikar Ceremonial Double Basket Shaker

Tikar people, mid. 20th century, Cameroon, Central Africa

Fascinating musical instrument. The Cameroon Grasslands is inhabited by a large number of related peoples. These peoples can be divided into three smaller subgroups: Bamum, Bamenda Tikar and Bamileke. Within these complexes there are numerous smaller ethnic groups. The Tikar is a blanket term used for several ethnic groups in Cameroon. The Tikar area is occupied by over 250, 000 people who speak different languages, but yet claim common ancestors. Politically, the area is divided into numerous small independent kingdoms and chiefdoms, whose powers are counterbalanced by male and female societes. There is also a single ethnic group called Tikar who live in on the Tikar Plain in Adamawa Region. The Tikar have elements of matrilinear and patrilinear descent. Tikars belief that during pregnancy the womans menstruation blood forms the parts of the fetus. This blood is said to form the skin, blood, flesh and most of the organs. The bones, brain, heart and teeth are believed to be formed from the father’s sperm.

Finely constructed large double basket shaker. Thick handle are wrapped with facric strips. At each end of the handle there is a finely woven rattan sphere containing various rattling material: seed pots, bend crown caps, bone fragments, and small stones. Good condition. Age-related wear, minor fractures and cracks. Signs of use. Size approx. 56,0cm x 16,0cm.