The Bamileke live in the grasslands of West Cameroon. The art of the Bamileke is dedicated to the veneration of the regional leader, or "Fon". Most of their carvings and beadwork are produced as gifts for the Fon. Their beadworks are very intricate. The upper part of this doll is wood(?) covered with hessian, which is covered with beads in an intricate square pattern. The face is covered with tiny blue beads with red beads around the eyes and a black beaded mouth with white bead "teeth". There are cowrie shells around the feet and the back of the head. His hat is multi-coloured seed beads. The lower part of the body is padded, and is covered with red cotton pants. A similar doll is featured in the book: "Isn't S/He a Doll?", page 40, by Elizabeth L. Cameron, (and in other doll books). 5.5" high. Cameroon. C.1965. Makers marks: None.