Elephant Mask – Cauris, Fabric – Bamileke – Cameroon

Beautiful elephant mask from the BAMILEKE people of the Grassland of Cameroon.
These masks with very rich polychrome were worn by high-ranking members in the Bamileke society.
Exhibited on the occasion of the funeral of some warriors, the wearer waved ears and faked the attack of the elephant, an animal that symbolised this mask.
In African art, the animal Kingdom has a special place because of its pervasive physical proximity. Some animals have largely integrated the cosmogonies of many ethnicities. The elephant is a clear example and they give Royal virtues to works that symbolise them .
Good condition with a beautiful aged patina.