Beads Decorative Objects

Bamileke Kuosi Elephant masks comprise cloth panels and hoods woven from plantain fiber over raffia. On this background glass beads are stitched in geometric patterns. The basic form depicts salient features of the elephant—a long trunk and large ears. The hood fits tightly over the masker's head, and two hanging panels, one behind and one in front, partially conceal the body. The front panel is the elephant trunk, and the two large, stiff circles hinged to either side of the head are its ears, which flap as the masker dances. While the mask symbolizes an elephant, the face is human. Eyeholes provide visibility, and a nose and mouth with teeth are normally present. The glass beads used on these earlier masks were nineteenth-century trade beads of Venetian or Czechoslovakian manufacture, used as well in exchange for slaves. Elephant mask costumes...

Bamileke Decorative Dance Crest, embroidered with European Glass Beads, Grasslands People, Cameroon. Private Collection Bordeaux The raffia splint is covered with cloth and colour...

Bamileke Old Anthropomorphic Trophy Head embroidered with European Glass Beads, Grasslands People, and Cameroon. Private collection Brussels Worn by chiefs and other notables on cer...

A vibrant example of Southeast Asian craftsmanship, this Sumatran beaded box is built upon a finely woven basket structure and adorned with vivid glass red beads and natural shells....

Bamileke beaded Collar or Torque, Cameroon Private collection Brussels