Antique African Bamileke Cameroon Tobacco Pipe, Handmade from Black Clay, Zoomorphic style, late 19th century.

An authentic antique tribal artifact from Africa - a large-sized ceremonial tobacco smoking pipe. Late 19th century. Unique, handmade in one copy. A very rare collectible item.

Total length 32 cm.

Big and heavy clay bowl 16 x 10 x 12 cm.

Very interesting Zoomorphic form - displaying faces of two African animals.

Such pipes would be owned by wealthier individuals or shamans. Due to their large size, an expensive large supply of tobacco would need to be owned so they can be smoked, which would be for a long period of time.
The Bamileke people are the largest ethnic group in Cameroon, residing in the Western Grassfields
Bamileke People of Cameroon, Central/West Africa. The Bamileke are a Grassfields people, in the Northwest parts of the country. They are known for their beadwork masquerades, unique tribal customs and rituals, as well as their incredible skill in wood carving. Animalia is a prominent theme in Bamileke masks and artifacts.