SAO, CAMEROON
WOOD, HEIGHT 76CM
The Sao enjoyed an old and long lasting civilisation in the area around Lake Chad. The sculpture displays the typical raised arms victory sign of Sao war leaders. The Sao civilisation flourished in Central Africa from the 6th century to the 16th century. Unfortunately there is no written history, but artefacts show skilled works in copper, iron, and ceramics. Today several ethnic groups claim descendancy of the Sao, especially the Sara, so this wooden figure will in all probability stem from them, people who live in the area of the Sao kingdom.