Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel

Grassfields region

Not on view

In the Grassfields chiefdoms of Cameroon, the fon (king), mafo (queen mother), and their descendants preside over formal ceremonies at court, demonstrating their wealth, spiritual and political power, and prestige. As a gesture of welcome to visitors, as well as during rituals of sorrow and commemoration, libations of palm wine, a cloudy-colored beverage made from the fermented sap of palm trees, are often poured from prestige vessels such as this one to honor sacred deities, spirits, and ancestors. Crafted from a gourd, this ornate version is overlaid with exquisite multicolored glass beadwork featuring serpent heads at the summit and zigzag and geometric patterning, which are emblems of royal power and abundance.

Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel, Gourd, glass beads, cloth, cane, wood, Grassfields region

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Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel, Gourd, glass beads, cloth, cane, wood, Grassfields region
Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel, Gourd, glass beads, cloth, cane, wood, Grassfields region
Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel, Gourd, glass beads, cloth, cane, wood, Grassfields region
Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel, Gourd, glass beads, cloth, cane, wood, Grassfields region

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