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Batcham Cameroon CraftsmenA Large Scale, Beautifully Sculpted and Patinated Batcham Cameroon Mask.
About the Item
A large scale and beautifully carved wooden ceremonial mask from Cameroon. There are traces of colour and decoration to the surface and the mask has a magnificent patina giving it a wonderful presence as a sculptural object.
The Batcham Mask or simply the Batcham originated in western Cameroon although its name refers to the place where it was first found: Batcham.
This is a ceremonial mask from the Bamileke culture in the western Grasslands of Cameroon. This tall crest (76 cm in height) has clearly defined features, a powerful yet calm visage, sharply chiselled diamond and triangular furrows, and nearly perfect symmetry. Such painstaking craftsmanship underscores the sophistication and control of the sculptor in preparing this ceremonial piece.
It shares the elements of Batcham masks including:
The general morphology is built on two axes: a symmetrical vertical axis with chiseled furrows, stylized eyes, lips, nostrils, mouth and teeth; a horizontal axis presenting swollen cheeks, an ovular mouth showing multiple teeth, and triangular ears supported on a hollow cylindrical base. One interpretation is that the masks depict a hippopotamus emerging from watery depths, conveying nature’s power conferred to enthroned royalty.
The Batcham mask represents the pi, or double animal of a great dignitary of the kingdom. It was used by a great dignitary of the Msop society who intervened only on rare occasions: during the funeral and enthronement of the king and the nine notables, and to perform the Royal Tso dance, elephant dance. Also the initiation and formation of the Fon, the Mkamvu'u and the great Wabo warriors also harvest celebrations.
The mask wearer adjusted the cylindrical neck opening on his hooded head.
The Msop is one of the oldest tribes in the region.
While production of the crests centred around Bandjoun—isolated workshops across the Bamileke region produced a wide range of variants using these basic morphological elements.
- Creator:Batcham Cameroon Craftsmen (Cameroonian)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.93 in (76 cm)Width: 12.6 in (32 cm)Depth: 5.12 in (13 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear commensurate with age and use (see photos).
- Gallery Location:Cotignac, FR
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Cotignac, France
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
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