Vintage Bamileke Elephant Mask
Vintage Bamileke Elephant Mask
West African Beaded Textile Tribal Art
Originating from the Bamileke tribe in the grasslands of Cameroon (if you check out the photo with the map in the background it is the area just to the left of the mask).
Due to elephants being quite commanding creatures these masks were traditionally worn by chiefs to symbolise their power.
Geometric patterns have been painstakingly added in colourful patterns on a black background with edging on the trunk, ears and facial features in red with a bird say on the head.
As the beads were imported the more you had on your mask the wealthier you were.
This example dates from the 1950s - 1970s period.
It is in good vintage condition with no real damage as such. There is minimal wear and tear apart from a few stains on the inside. The pone thing I would point out is that whatever the top section is stuffed with leaks a tad when it is moved. i am not sure if this is sand or a natural filling which has deteriorated into a powder.
Measuring: 131cm high x 43cm ear to ear x 30cm deep.