Two Fine Old African Beaded Wooden Flutes or Whistles Bamileke Grasslands People Cameroon

Two Fine Old African Beaded Wooden Flutes or Whistles Bamileke Grasslands People Cameroon

These beautiful old Ceremonial Flutes come from the Bamileke people of the Cameroon Grasslands.

Flutes of differing shapes and forms are used in ceremonies across West Africa. The Grasslands flutes have a distinctive shape that incorporates zoomorphic and anthropomorphic elements in a supremely functional design. These lovely carved wooden flutes in traditional form, take on the shape of a hollowed, stylized figure that combines human and animal features. Two finger holes on either side of the body mimic projecting arms. The top is carved into a large crescent shape, which helps support the lips when played.

The flutes are embroidered with traditional glass beads. Usually played by men during a dance known as Ndong. Ndong is performed when a new wife arrives at her husband’s house. On that occasion, music is supplied exclusively by this type of flute or whistle. The art styles of the peoples in the Grasslands (Bamileke, Bamum and Tikar) are very hard to differentiate due to the complex migration and exchange patterns that are typical of the region.

My collection was selected by aesthetics only not by geography or culture,  I bought only what I liked the best after looking at many examples in reference books & museum collections. The African Artworks in my collection consist of a collection of antique Passport Masks, antique African  Flutes or Whistles and, small Ancestor Figures; these are greatly enjoyed & displayed along with my Oceanic & Asian Art

Provenance: The Todd Barlin Collection of African & Oceanic Art

See my new EXHIBITIONS GALLERY  showing the Museums and Art Galleries Exhibitions that I provided artworks for over the past 40 years. There is the link to the article about my artworks published in the prestigious Louvre Magazine in 1996

I have artwork for Museums and art Galleries but also for collectors at every stage of their collecting. I want to encourage people to explore the fine art of New Guinea & West Papua and the Pacific Islands and to be able to see and touch the artworks in a relaxed and friendly manner in my Sydney Gallery. I would like to invite you to visit my gallery and see the artworks in person and also look at my website www.oceanicartsaustralia.com where there are many Galleries & Sub Galleries to explore.

My Gallery of nearly 40 years is the last physical gallery in Sydney that specializes in New Guinea and Oceanic Art.  Sydney is very close to New Guinea & the Pacific Islands where all of these amazing artworks came from, Australia’s closest neighbors.

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