Mask – Wood – Bamoun – Grassland of Cameroun

Ex Zemanek-Münster auction.

Provenance: Justin Barthels, Maastricht (NL)

Beautiful wooden mask from the BAMUN tribe of the Grasland of Cameroon.
The peoples of the Cameroon Grassfields (West Africa) developed a rich tradition in the visual arts that expressed the social and political hierarchy of the many chiefdoms and kingdoms of the region. The Fon, or king, held the highest rank, followed in importance by the title-holders, including women, of the royal lineages.
This mask depict males of noble lineage and represent power and authority. Rank and other information is conveyed by the noble coiffures, double-lobed knitted caps and ornate crests using various motifs restricted to royalty. The mask in s in good condtion with a beautiful patina.