Human world
Helmet mask
Follow the links in the navigation panel to see some of the Cameroon collection.
Almost half of the objects in this part of the gallery were collected in the fertile agricultural ‘Grassfields’ of Western Cameroon. There were many independent kingdoms in the Grassfields. Each king’s power was balanced by councils of nobles and palace masquerade associations. These palace institutions still function today in many kingdoms.
Complex trade relationships encouraged craftspeople to develop special skills in different areas of the Grassfields. Kings often commissioned stools and other royal objects from craftspeople in other kingdoms.
Trade routes linked the Grassfields with the Cameroon coast. Since the 17th century, the Duala acted as middlemen between Europeans and groups inland. They initially transported ivory, then slaves and then palm oil, down river to European ships anchored off the coast. They distributed European goods, like guns, gunpowder and beads up river along the same routes. Prosperous traders became spokesmen and leaders. Their families were raised to positions of influence and helped change Duala society.