This is the rating and price for Bamileke Beaded Elephant Mask Cameroon, Contemporary

Description : Additional Information: A beaded mask costume used by the Bamileke and known as elephant masks of the Kuosi society ceremonies. Beaded masks like this one still perform among the Bamileke. The Bamileke people live in the Cameroon Grasslands. Bamileke are farmers and organized in hierarchically stratified society where the king, called Fon has an absolute political and social. The Bamileke believe that the Fon has the power of life and death over his subjects. He is associated with masters of the forest including the elephant and the leopard. It is said that the Fon can transform himself into these animals. These masks are part of the so-called elephant Costume mask made of cloth onto which multicolored beads are nicely stitched in geometric patterns. In the Bamileke culture such masks belong to the Kuosi Society, a men association formed by royalties, title-holders, and warriors of the chiefdom. The purpose of this association is to maintain social and political order. The ears are designed like those of the Elephant. The composition of these lozange and triangular patterns recalls the leopard spots. Leopard pelts (missing here) have been seen on panel of some elephant masks. In addition to these important symbols of kingship, the masks show evidence of wealth and majesty in displaying prestigious items like beads, leopard pelts, indigo-dyed cloth, and feathered headdress. The dancers hold spears and horsetails and their movements are as majestic as individuals they represent. Kuosi masks are worn by the king and the members of the Kuosi association in the funeral ceremonies of Kuosi society members, during various social gatherings, and in a biannual festival to celebrate the kingship. Recommended Reading: Paul Gebauer, 1979, ART OF CAMEROON, Oregon: Portland Art Association,Tamaran Northern, 1984, THE ART OF CAMEROON, Washington D.C.: The Smithsonian Institution See examples of this piece in Laine's ",AFRICAN KINGS.",  ,  ,
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