Cameroon comprises three distinct regions: mountains in the north, grassfields in the central area, and rain forest in the south. Located in the Cameroon Grassfields region are numerous small autonomous kingdoms and chiefdoms where political authority centers around kings and their courts. A king's power is balanced by regulatory palace associations and by men's associations, both of which use masks.

The art of Cameroon is characterized by bold and expressive carving that emphasizes volumes. Skillfully applied beadwork often embellishes carvings. The Mambila, a northern Cameroon peoples, use figurative sculpture in individual family shrines.