Lot n° 378
Estimation :
2500 - 3500
EUR
Bamiléké elephant mask, Cameroon - Lot 378
Bamiléké elephant mask, Cameroon
Wood, fabric, plant fibers, beads, pigments
H. 142 cm - L. 54.5 cm € 2,500 / € 3,500
The elephant's slender body is superbly long, leading the viewer's gaze to the face. The flattened, circular ears at the sides are a clever response to the round shape of the eyes, hollowed out for the wearer. The mouth and linked noses, made of twisted red fabric, form two linear lines: vertical for the nose bridge, horizontal for the mouth. The magnificent, sophisticated headdress is decorated with schematized spiders, symbolic animals for the Bamiléké, in alternating black and red, supporting the top of the hat. The whole is enlivened by a fine, subtle beaded pattern of red, yellow, blue and white diamonds.
Bamiléké Camroun elephant mask
Made with the greatest care, these Bamiléké masks, known succinctly as elephant masks, were dedicated to the high dignitaries of Bamileke society. They sported long textile masks embroidered with multicolored beads, such as these marvelous four examples. These fabric panels are surmounted by a wickerwork tiara decorated with zoomorphic symbols embroidered in textile.
Displayed at the funerals of certain warriors, the wearer waved the ears and simulated the charge of the elephant, the animal symbolized by the mask.
In African art, the animal kingdom has a place of choice due to its omnipresent physical proximity. As a result, certain animals have become an integral part of the cosmogonies of many ethnic groups. The elephant is an obvious example, and the works that symbolize them are accorded royal virtues.
Bamileke society had several initiation associations, including the mwola and komiyo, from which the men authorized to wear these masks originated.
Members of the Kuosi, Kwosi society wore impressive feathered headdresses for the elephant dance, tso. These were worn over a multicolored costume consisting of a large beaded mask with large circular ears, mbap mteng, a fabric cloth, ndop, adorned with monkey fur and a leopard belt. These dances were performed during festive ceremonies and funerals. The Bamileke, a sub-group of a larger tribe that also includes the Bamoun and Tikar, are famous for their African art pieces covered in pearls, a sign of prosperity and wealth, giving the royal object a shine that sets it apart from common objects.
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