National Museum of Yaounde (end)

The collection of the museum includes traditional art objects, modern paintings, archeological sculptures and specimen of prehistoric Sao civilizalion ages of North-Cameroon. The archeological objects come from the excavations conducted by professor LEBEUF and Mrs. Annie LEBEUF, J.-M ESSOMBA and A. MARLIAC. These objects are paleolithic and neolithic tools, hews stones and polished stones as well as very old pottery of the "SAO" period.

When considering traditional art or ''primitive art'' according to anthropology and archeological terminology, a particular attention must be paid to the twin wooden statues discovered in the MBAM area which are more than two meters high.

the other interesting aspect of the objects shown in this museums is the predominance of the objects coming from Bamoun country as their artistic styles have greatly influenced the Bamilebe's art. The main characteristic of Bamoun art is the presence of very nice bronze objects.

There is also a collection of modern art objects. Camerounese paintings and sculptures. Despite a lack of education in traditional art, the camerounese youth produces art objects of high quality. A name such as Gedeon MPANDO, graduate of the Paris Arts School, who underlines the level of the artistic creativity in Cameroon.

From the collection of the National Museum we have choosen to present here the statues and the masks. They are the most representative objects of this ever growing collection. The collection of the museum includes more than 2000 objects which must be well preserved.