Bamum Bronze & Leather Ritual Tobacco Pouch - 20th...

An authentic West African ritual tobacco / medicine pouch, masterfully crafted by the metalworkers of the Bamum (or Bamileke) kingdom in the Grassfields region of Cameroon. This traditional status object consists of a heavy, solid cast bronze (or brass) protective casing, created using the complex lost-wax casting method (cire perdue). T The metal core is tightly encased in dark, hand-braided native leather, designed to be worn across the shoulder or neck using the long integrated leather strap. The lower rim is decorated with stylized openwork loops from which a long, heavy fringe of thick leather tassels cascades. Historically, these heavy pouches were used exclusively by high-ranking individuals, hunters, or tribal chiefs to carry ceremonial tobacco, herbs, or protective talismans. The object is in a well-preserved, collected condition. The bronze shows beautiful oxidation and deep coloration. The leather remains strong and structurally sound, showing a fine aged texture and normal traces of field use.

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