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Bamileke elephant mask

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:

Beads,Korhogo Cloth,Natural Fiber,Raffia,Hand-Crafted

Place of Origin:

Cameroon

Period:

1950-1959

Date of Manufacture:

1950

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Diest, BE

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU10020242477982

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