BAMILEKÉ BOWL BEARER CAMEROON Wood H.: 47.5 cm (18³?? in.) A Bamileke bowlbearer, Cameroon Provenance: Collection of Jean-Jacques Rotthier (1932–2009), Brussels, then passed down through the family This figure represents a dignitary in the service of the king, or fon. Combining a practical function with symbolic significance, these bowl-figures were placed beside the sovereign during court ceremonies. They contained kola nuts or palm wine, prized gifts offered to distinguished visitors in accordance with the rules of princely hospitality. A BAMILEKE BOWLBEARER CAMEROON Wood H.: 18³?? in. Provenance: Jean-Jacques Rotthier Collection (1932–2009), Brussels, then by descent This figure represents an elite attendant in the service of the king, or fon. Serving both as a functional object and a symbol of royal status, bowl figures were placed beside the fon during court ceremonies. They were filled with kola nuts or palm wine, two essential offerings presented to royal guests as gestures of supreme hospitality.