Mask, Bamileke; Cameroon
Wood, traces of pigment, remains of sacrificial
material; H. 18"
Commissioned and used by the Kwifon
secret society in the grasslands, special masks
are worn at the burial of deceased members and in
commemoration of deceased kings. This example, with
a ring of spear points surmounting the head, signifies
the warrior and is worn in the Oku and Babanki regions
in the same context as the elephant mask (fig. 58).
The almost glass-like patina and areas of recarving
at the bottom of the helmet indicate significant
age and use.
