Decorative ornament - Cameroon - Bamoun maskette, rare

A rare and hard-to-find African wall mask, executed in the artistic tradition of the Bamoun/Bamum from the Cameroon Grassfields. The mask is cast in a copper alloy, presumably brass/bronze, and has a warm gold-brown patina with natural dark accents in the recessed areas. The expressive form jumps right out: large round eyes, strongly accentuated eyebrows, a wide open mouth with visible teeth, pronounced ears and a richly decorated headdress with repeating spiral motifs. Under the face there is a characteristic fan-shaped collar with bead-like finish. In the iconography of the Cameroon Grassfields, richly designed faces, headpieces and prestige objects were traditionally associated with status, dignity, ceremony and social rank. This compact specimen, however, is clearly made as a maskette or decorative wall object: the rear is hollow and at the top there is an integrated hanging eye. The specific execution is unusual. Comparable small metal Bamoun/Bamum masks are known, but an identical specimen with this combination of spiral-shaped headdress, striking round eyes, open toothed mouth and bead collar is hard to find. That makes it an attractive collectible item for lovers of African art, ethnographic objects and distinctive world décor. Specifications: Height: about 16 cm. Width: about 9 cm. Weight: about 200 grams. Material: cast copper alloy, presumably brass/bronze. Style/Origin: Bamoun/Bamum style, Cameroon Grassfields. Period: presumably the second half of the 20th century. The mask is in a developing vintage condition with patina, light oxidation and signs of use and age appropriate to the object. These traces contribute to the authentic character and are visible in the photos. An expressive and decorative collectible piece that comes into its own on a light or dark wall, in an art cabinet or combined with other African and ethnographic objects. Shipping: carefully packed and shipped within 3 days after payment with track & trace.