Ceremonial ax-scepter

coming from Cameroon, probably of Bamum area, datable to the first half of the 20th century: handle composed of two distinct sections in bone carved with enigmatic anthropomorphic figures of Ancestors marked by ferrules, probably of wood covered with metal braid, covered with bituminous substance of black color; the small iron, devoid of any purpose of practical use, is also adorned with identical trimmings of copper braid covered with crystallized black paste, probably copra pulp or other vegetable paste applied for religious purposes; the artifact appears brown due to presumed exposure to ceremonial smoking; in excellent condition with pleasant patina; very interesting L 34 cm