DISCOVERART

Bamileke

Portrait Figure of Metang, the 10th King of Batufam

c. 1912-1914
Wood and pigment with traces of chalk and camwood
43.2 × 31 cm (17 × 12.2 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This stylized portrait of Metang was commissioned around 1912, when he was initiated into kingship. The ruler holds a buffalo drinking horn and a gourd container, two of the most important regalia throughout the Bamileke kingdoms in the Cameroon Grassfields. This figure was photographed several times, always next to the entrance of the Batufam palace, arranged with a portrait of his senior wife and several other sculptures of kings and queens.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More like this

Female Figure with BowlAbogunde of Ede — Female Figure with BowlMale FigureDogon — Male FigurePolychrome Standing Figure with Exaggerated Head and HipsChinesco — Polychrome Standing Figure with Exaggerated Head Ritual HeadHemba — Ritual HeadSeated Figure Drinking from a Vessel using a TubeColima — Seated Figure Drinking from a Vessel using a TubeFemale FigureTlatilco — Female FigureTapper (Iroke Ifa)Yoruba — Tapper (Iroke Ifa)Mother-and-Child Figure (Bwanga bwa Chibola)Luluwa — Mother-and-Child Figure (Bwanga bwa Chibola)Standing Female FigureNayarit — Standing Female FigureVeranda Post (Òpó Ògògá)Olowe of Ise — Veranda Post (Òpó Ògògá)Vessel in the Form of a Seated HunchbackColima — Vessel in the Form of a Seated HunchbackMask for Egungun (Ere Egungun)Yoruba — Mask for Egungun (Ere Egungun)