Rare Bamun Brass Sheathing Mask. Bamileke People.  Cameroon.  Africa

M_4266_03 M_4266_02 M_4266_01 M_4266_04 M_4266_05 M_4266_06 M_4266_07
<
>

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

 

 

Sharing stylistic traits with the Bamileke, Tikar and other Western Grassland Cameroon tribes, this particular mask illustrates the complexity of the transfer of styles… through migration and various artists’ interpretations… even as far back as the migrations of the 17th Century.

 

That is what makes this mask so unique and rare.  It is one artist’s interpretation of what is happening / happened in a large geographical and cultural part of Cameroon.

 

Constructed of wood with a covering of brass…. and accented with cotton cloth and raffia/grasses.

 

Worn on the head by retainers at the courts of various Grasslands kingdoms of Cameroon.  There are generally worn at three ceremonies:  1. Agricultural; 2. Honoring rulers; 3. Entertaining the king and his court.

 

In very good condition.  For the Serious Collector of this one-of-a-kind mask.  Sorry, a stand is not included.