Items Similar to Bamileke elephant mask
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Bamileke elephant mask
$1,733.47
£1,263.37
€1,450
CA$2,376.85
A$2,653.82
CHF 1,384.30
MX$32,632.65
NOK 17,471.64
SEK 16,448.93
DKK 11,033.35
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Elephants are often associated with political power in the highly stratified kingdoms of the Cameroon grasslands. Because imported beads were historically rare and costly, beadwork is also associated with high social rank, making this mask a potent symbol of power. The Bamileke masquerade is an assertive but controlled and dignified performance worthy of a royal court. The elite Kuosi masking society controls the right to own and wear elephant masks, and the society assists the fon, or king, as preserver and enforcer of the sociopolitical hierarchy. In the case of the Bamileke peoples, the members of the Kuosi society (elephant society) are the only ones authorized to dance elephant masquerades.
Mask performers don a hooded facial covering perforated with beaded or trimmed eyeholes (for the individual to see). It might have other facial features, such as a stylized nose or a small hole for a mouth. The hooded facial covering includes two long panels (one in the front that evokes an elephant's trunk and one in the back), and large discs (which are generally circular, but can be slightly oblong or trapezoidal) that allude to an elephant's ears. In addition, mask performers usually wear prestige items: a tunic or skirts made from ndop (patterned cotton cloth dyed with indigo), a conical headdress constructed with red feathers, and a leopard skin pelt on the back. They may also carry a beaded horse tail flywhisk, which is also a prestige item.
Members of the Kuosi society are themselves powerful people: royalty, court officials, titled individuals, and high-ranking warriors. They appear and perform at public celebrations and funerals of those associated with the society and the fon. While the fon is directly associated with the Kuosi society and might dance, he might or might not wear the hooded facial covering.
Private collection M.J Brussels
- Dimensions:Height: 53.55 in (136 cm)Width: 17.72 in (45 cm)Depth: 8.67 in (22 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Diest, BE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10020242477982
About the Seller
No Reviews Yet
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2020
1stDibs seller since 2024
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Diest, Belgium
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllPrimitive brut sculpture by Luciano Bertolotto, 1997
Located in Diest, BE
An extraordinary primitive brut sculpture created from wood and Italian marble by the acclaimed Italian self-taught artist and sculptor Luciano Bertolotto (Pompi) . Isola Rizza, Ita...
Category
1990s Italian Primitive Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Carrara Marble
A polychrome decorated theater papier-mâché sarcophagus cover, 1st half 20th C.
Located in Diest, BE
A polychrome decorated papier-mâché sarcophagus cover, early 20th C.
Made for a French theater 1930's.
Category
Vintage 1930s Egyptian Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Paper
1950's Papier mâché french theatre head
Located in Diest, BE
A 1950's rare original James Ensor style papier mâché theatre head. This item was obtained via a private collection (France).
Category
Vintage 1950s French Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
A large adjustable wooden gorilla by Luigi Nervo
Located in Diest, BE
Sculpture/installation by the Italian artist and sculptor Luigi Nervo (Turin 1930-Turin 2006).
Nervo began his career as an industrial designer and later started experimenting with ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Primitive folk art cabinet made of an old tree trunk early 1900s
Located in Diest, BE
France Haute-Savoie region tree trunk cabinet, made in the early 1900’s of an old tree. This is a great example of the French provincial folk art craftsmen. Lovely patina.
Category
Antique Early 1900s French French Provincial Cabinets
Materials
Iron
19th century monk seat/table
Located in Diest, BE
Primitive oak chair/table. Was used in small country houses. Great patina and unique craftmanship.
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Side Tables
Materials
Oak
You May Also Like
Cameroon Bamileke Elephant Mask dating from the early 20th Century
Located in CA, CA
This mask dates from the late 19th to early 20th Century.
Bamileke elephant masks, worn by the Kuosi society in Cameroon were elaborate beaded masks signifying wealth and power.
The ...
Category
Early 20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Art
Materials
Glass
African Akuaba Fertility Mask
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a fertility mask called an AKUABA.
It's a ceremonial mask of the Akan tribe of Ghana.
Category
Late 20th Century Ghanaian Tribal Masks
Materials
Metal
African Lwalwa Tribal Mask
Located in Montreal, QC
African Lwalwa tribal mask enhanced with white pigment on the mouth and ears.
Category
Vintage 1960s Congolese Masks
Materials
Wood
A Kuosi society elephant mask
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Bamileke, Cameroon, early 20th century
Among the Bamileke people, only members of the Kuosi society (the elephant society) are permitted to perform elephant masquerades, symbolizing...
Category
Early 20th Century Cameroonian Masks
Materials
Cotton, Beads
Old Igbo "Izzi" Elephant Mask, Nigeria, African Sculpture
By Igbo People
Located in Sharon, CT
Important mask with beautiful a patina over paint and sculpting note, heads on both sides. Acquired from an old private collection. An almost identical mask was exhibited in "African...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Large Vintage Bamileke Elephant Mask, Cameroon, Decorative, Tribal, Circa 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage Bamileke elephant mask. A Cameroonian, ebonised hardwood decorative tribal mask, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Decorative Art
Materials
Hardwood
More Ways To Browse
Beaded Horse
Leopard Skin
Vintage Cameroon
Horse Mask
Beaded Headdress
Vintage Feather Headdress
Elephant Mask
Vintage Leopard Skin
Korhogo Cloth
Iron Leg Console Table
Italian Marble Table Inlay
Lampada Da Tavolo Vintage
Large Brass Lantern
Leaded Glass Shade Lamp
Marble Dining Table Iron Base
Moroccan Square Rug
Oval Serving Trays
Overdyed Rug Green