Elephant mask

The elephant is well documented in the Cameroon Grassfields as an symbol of leadership. It is best known in the dramatic form of bead covered cloth masks from the Bamileke peoples. Much more obscure is the origin and meaning of this type of wooden mask. Large wood elephant masks generally are described in early colonial accounts as being acquired in the Tikar region or more specifically in the town of Bali, a market and administrative center. However no useful documentation exists as to source or use.

Wood cap mask composed of an elephant head with extended trunk, horns forming a circle and circular ears.

Pierre Arman, New York, -- to 1980

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