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A Kuosi society elephant mask
About the Item
Bamileke, Cameroon, early 20th century
Among the Bamileke people, only members of the Kuosi society (the elephant society) are permitted to perform elephant masquerades, symbolizing the authority, wealth, and power of the fon (king, ruler, or chief).
Performers wear a hooded mask featuring eyeholes bordered or adorned with beads, allowing for visibility. This mask may include other facial elements, such as a stylized nose or a small opening for the mouth. The hooded covering extends into two long panels—one in the front, resembling an elephant's trunk, and one in the back—accompanied by large discs that represent the elephant’s ears, which are typically circular but may be slightly oblong or trapezoidal. Additionally, performers adorn themselves with prestige garments: tunics or skirts made of ndop (patterned cotton fabric dyed with indigo), a conical headdress adorned with red feathers, and a leopard skin draped on the back. They may also hold a beaded horse-tail flywhisk, another symbol of prestige.
Provenance:
- Collection Rinck Hollnberger (Purchased in the 1980s or 1990s)
- Dimensions:Height: 54.34 in (138 cm)Width: 21.26 in (54 cm)Depth: 5.12 in (13 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Early 20th century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Amsterdam, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5458242205462
About the Seller
5.0
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Established in 1985
1stDibs seller since 2020
21 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Maastricht, Netherlands
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
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