TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:
    Bamileke Helmet Mask
    20th c.

    An impressive top-of-the-head mask, with smiling mouth,
    and broad nose. This large mask has a shiny patina and is
    a well carved-example of the art of Cameroon.  

    Large head crests such as this were danced by retainers at
    the courts of various Grasslands kingdoms in Cameroon.
    They appeared at ceremonies associated with planting and
    harvesting as well as other events celebrating the ruler or
    simply as entertainment for the king and his court. Identified
    with the Bamileke, this mask shares stylistic relationships
    with Bamum or Bamun, or even the Tikar and other
    Grasslands peoples, reflecting the complex transfer of style
    through trade and the travel of artists.  

    The mask carries symbolic meaning as well as aesthetic
    reflection of the artistically sophisticated Bamileke people.

Ethnic Group:
    Bamileke Society

Country of Origin:  
    Cameroon

Material:   
    Wood

Dimensions:
    17"

Reference:                  
    Gebauer's "ART OF CAMEROON."