African art > African mask, tribal art, primitive art > Bamileke mask

Bamileke mask (N° 21412)

These long masks made of bead-embroidered fabric with rich polychromy were worn by high-ranking members of Bamileke society . The sections of beaded fabric are surmounted by a basketry tiara decorated with zoomorphic symbols trimmed with textile . Exhibited on the occasion of the funerals of certain warriors, the wearer waved the ears and simulated the charge of the elephant, the animal that this mask symbolized.
Slightly disjointed parts. Bamileke society had several initiatory associations including the mwola and the komiyo, these are the societies from which the men authorized to wear these masks came.

It was on the occasion of the elephant dance, tso ,that members of the Kuosi , Kwosi , society wore impressive feathered headdresses. These were worn over a multi-colored costume consisting of a large beaded mask with large circular ears , mbap mteng ,a cloth fabric, ndop , adorned with monkey fur and a leopard belt. These dances were performed during festive ceremonies and funerals.  

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OriginEx-collection française
EthnyBamileke
Countrycameroun
Material(s)textile, perles, vannerie
Height cm145
Width32 cm
Weight1.60 Kg
Socle inclusOptional

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