Tsemapfeli - Bali - Cameroon

This is a buffalo mask, though with the distinctive feature of having horns that curve downwards, running parallel to the sides of the head. The carving and finish are reminiscent of those of the Bafun or Fungom. The Mapfeli (or Mapfelibu) is an ancient religious society whose members are mainly the heirs of the great dignitaries close to the royal family: Kwipu, Suop, Tukam or Poukam. The eldest son of the Fo (king) is
Tukam if a girl and Poukam if a boy. Initially, the Mapfeli comprised only members of the royal family who were permitted to enter the Fam (royal cemetery). In certain displays, members wear ochre Kamdze skirts and their torsos are covered with plant fibres. Members of this Mkem wear masks called Tsemapfeli, or Tsemapfelibu. The best-known type is the wooden buffalo mask. The appearance of these masks is so spectacular that any bearer of a mask is often, without reason, called a Mapfeli. The members of the Mapfeli all belong to
totemic societies and are thus able to control evil spirits, particularly those of certain deceased sorcerers
who still roam the forest and the villages. The Mapfeli appears on the occasion of the mourning
for a great dignitary of the kingdom. It also participates in the fertility cult. Because of this, it is
very active in agrarian and initiation rites, where it opens and closes the mystical ceremonies.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert-Kibabi Collection
Argiles Collection, Barcelona