What is a Bamileke ceremonial bed?

Originating from the Grassfields region of Cameroon, Bamileke ceremonial beds are traditional wooden low platforms carved from single tree trunks, historically reserved for royalty and nobility during important tribal ceremonies.

What materials and tools were traditionally used to create these beds?

These pieces were hand-carved from dense regional hardwoods using traditional adzes and chisels, often featuring continuous openwork figurative reliefs along the base frame.

How can authentic 19th-century Bamileke carvings be identified?

Genuine period examples exhibit hand-carved tool marks, structural patina from age and use, natural timber shrinkage along structural lines, and dark oxidation across high-relief areas.

How can an antique ceremonial bed be integrated into a contemporary interior?

These low-profile carved platforms serve as statement coffee tables or low bench seating in modern living areas, adding architectural texture and historical depth.

How should hand-carved hardwood African furniture be maintained?

Dust regularly with a soft bristle brush to reach intricate relief carvings and apply a clear beeswax polish sparingly to maintain the wood surface without causing build-up.

for sale €9,945 $10,795

£8,500

LVS Decorative Arts

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Late 19th Century Hand Carved Hardwood African Bamileke Ceremonial Bed (Or Ideal as a Large Coffee Table)

Name: Late 19th Century Hand Carved Hardwood African Bamileke Ceremonial Bed (Or Ideal as a Large Coffee Table)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1174697
Price: 8500 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A late 19th century (circa 1900) hand carved hardwood African Bamileke ceremonial bed (or ideal as a large coffee table).

This wonderful carved Bamileke bed is handmade from a single hollowed out hardwood tree trunk and consists of a pierced lattice headrest with carved small face decoration above with a further carved border of small faces and five carved stylised figures above.

The bed with wonderful dry patina, the foot of the bed with carved decoration with a border of carved small faces around the sides and foot of the bed.

The sides profusely carved and pierced with faces and stylised figures with a border of small faces to the base, the faces and figures symbolising ancestors, warriors and spirits.

The ceremonial bed of a Bamileke King or Chief was a sacred and spiritual place where the King would receive spiritual direction and sometimes visions from his ancestors.

The Bamileke are the largest ethnic group in the Cameroon and inhabit the West and North West region of the Country, traditionally farmers growing crops, they are also known for their entrepreneurial skills and for their rich cultural traditions including intricate artworks, elaborate ceremonies and social structure of Kingdoms which are ruled by Chiefs.

Their artworks relate to Kings and important chiefs who defined their powers by displaying prestige objects during ceremonies, the ceremonial beds and stools were the most important of these objects, a common motif used in these was the human figure – the figures and faces being symbolic of a warrior, ancestor or spirit.

This highly decorative ceremonial bed is in very good condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home – it would be a wonderful standalone piece of art, a statement piece or ideal as a large sculptural coffee table.

Size:

Height: 18.5'' / 47cm

13.5'' / 34.25cm (flat surface if using as a coffee table)

Width: 83'' / 211cm

Depth: 25.5'' / 64.75cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

47cm (18.50")

Width

211cm (83.07")

Depth

64.8cm (25.51")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this Carved Bamileke Ceremonial Bed to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1174697

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1491

Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description

A late 19th century (circa 1900) hand carved hardwood African Bamileke ceremonial bed (or ideal as a large coffee table).

This wonderful carved Bamileke bed is handmade from a single hollowed out hardwood tree trunk and consists of a pierced lattice headrest with carved small face decoration above with a further carved border of small faces and five carved stylised figures above.

“

The bed with wonderful dry patina, the foot of the bed with carved decoration with a border of carved small faces around the sides and foot of the bed.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 1. A long hand-carved dark hardwood Bamileke ceremonial bed featuring intricate openwork figurative carvings along the frame and an integrated raised headrest. — fig 1. Late 19th Century Hand Carved Hardwood African Bamileke Ceremonial Bed (Or Ideal as a Large Coffee Table)

The sides profusely carved and pierced with faces and stylised figures with a border of small faces to the base, the faces and figures symbolising ancestors, warriors and spirits.

The ceremonial bed of a Bamileke King or Chief was a sacred and spiritual place where the King would receive spiritual direction and sometimes visions from his ancestors.

fig 2. A long hand-carved dark hardwood Bamileke ceremonial bed featuring intricate openwork figurative carvings along the frame and an integrated raised headrest. — fig 2. Late 19th Century Hand Carved Hardwood African Bamileke Ceremonial Bed (Or Ideal as a Large Coffee Table)

The Bamileke are the largest ethnic group in the Cameroon and inhabit the West and North West region of the Country, traditionally farmers growing crops, they are also known for their entrepreneurial skills and for their rich cultural traditions including intricate artworks, elaborate ceremonies and social structure of Kingdoms which are ruled by Chiefs.

fig 3. A long hand-carved dark hardwood Bamileke ceremonial bed featuring intricate openwork figurative carvings along the frame and an integrated raised headrest. — fig 3. Late 19th Century Hand Carved Hardwood African Bamileke Ceremonial Bed (Or Ideal as a Large Coffee Table)

Their artworks relate to Kings and important chiefs who defined their powers by displaying prestige objects during ceremonies, the ceremonial beds and stools were the most important of these objects, a common motif used in these was the human figure – the figures and faces being symbolic of a warrior, ancestor or spirit.

fig 4. A long hand-carved dark hardwood Bamileke ceremonial bed featuring intricate openwork figurative carvings along the frame and an integrated raised headrest. — fig 4. Late 19th Century Hand Carved Hardwood African Bamileke Ceremonial Bed (Or Ideal as a Large Coffee Table)

This highly decorative ceremonial bed is in very good condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home – it would be a wonderful standalone piece of art, a statement piece or ideal as a large sculptural coffee table.

Size:

Height: 18.5'' / 47cm

13.5'' / 34.25cm (flat surface if using as a coffee table)

Width: 83'' / 211cm