Mask, Bamileke people, Cameroon, early 20th century

This was a very important mask type, worn by the chief dancer of the king's court. During celebrations, the dancer wearing this mask would lead a long procession of several distinctive mask types across the plaza in front of the palace.These masks were worn during ceremonies and parades honoring the royal lineage. They represented revered ancestors of the clan or royal line. The mask is crowned with a king's cap with multiple projections,slit eyes with slender nose above a projecting mouth open to reveal teeth. The mask is covered in dark brown patina with encrustations.

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Gift of Dr. Richard and Susan Ulevitch, CAT 2020 RU 1.