Bamileke Mbap mteng elephant mask - 154cm - Bamileke - Cameroon
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Masque éléphant Bamileke Mbap mteng - 154cm, made of textiles and beads, from Cameroon, Bamileke culture, dating to 2000–2010, 154 cm high with 50 cm width and 17 cm depth, in good condition and sold without stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
These long masks made of fabric embroidered with beads in very rich polychromy were worn by high-ranking members
rank in Bamileke society.
Displayed at the funerals of certain warriors, the bearer would flap its ears and simulate the charge of
the elephant, the animal that this mask symbolized.
In African art, the animal kingdom holds a prominent place due to its omnipresent physical proximity.
Certain animals have therefore become deeply embedded in the cosmogonies of many ethnic groups. The elephant is one of them.
an obvious example, and works that symbolize them are attributed royal virtues.
The Bamileke society had several initiation associations, including the mwola and the komiyo; these are the
societies from which the men authorized to wear these masks originate.
It was during the elephant dance, tso, that the members of the Kuosi society, Kwosi, displayed...
Impressive feathered headdresses. They were worn over a multicolored costume consisting of a large
beaded mask with large circular ears, mbap mteng, made of fabric, ndop, adorned with fur
monkey and a leopard-skin belt. These dances took place during festive ceremonies and funerals.
The Bamileke, a subgroup of a larger people also including the Bamoun and the Tikar, are famous
for their African art pieces covered in beads, a sign of prosperity and wealth, conferring upon the royal object the
A brilliance that distinguishes it from common objects.
Sold without support.
Sold without support
Send with confidence.
These long masks made of fabric embroidered with beads in very rich polychromy were worn by high-ranking members
rank in Bamileke society.
Displayed at the funerals of certain warriors, the bearer would flap its ears and simulate the charge of
the elephant, the animal that this mask symbolized.
In African art, the animal kingdom holds a prominent place due to its omnipresent physical proximity.
Certain animals have therefore become deeply embedded in the cosmogonies of many ethnic groups. The elephant is one of them.
an obvious example, and works that symbolize them are attributed royal virtues.
The Bamileke society had several initiation associations, including the mwola and the komiyo; these are the
societies from which the men authorized to wear these masks originate.
It was during the elephant dance, tso, that the members of the Kuosi society, Kwosi, displayed...
Impressive feathered headdresses. They were worn over a multicolored costume consisting of a large
beaded mask with large circular ears, mbap mteng, made of fabric, ndop, adorned with fur
monkey and a leopard-skin belt. These dances took place during festive ceremonies and funerals.
The Bamileke, a subgroup of a larger people also including the Bamoun and the Tikar, are famous
for their African art pieces covered in beads, a sign of prosperity and wealth, conferring upon the royal object the
A brilliance that distinguishes it from common objects.
Sold without support.
Sold without support
Send with confidence.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Bamileke
Country of Origin
Cameroon
Period
2000-2010
Material
Fabrics & Pearls
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Bamileke Mbap mteng elephant mask - 154cm
Height
154 cm
Width
50 cm
Depth
17 cm
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