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Bamileke Ceremonial Mask

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Right Side

Collection: African Art Collection
Description: This vintage hand-carved wooden mask is from western Cameroon. The mask is carved from a medium weight hardwood and has a five-section hairstyle with a small peak at the top. The face is covered in a pigment that appears to be layers of ochre and white. The mask has distinctive eyebrows, pointed nose and mouth. The female face mask carved from a single piece of wood has exquisite features and detail. The carving is in excellent condition.
General Note: GEOGRAPHY / CULTURE GROUP Cameroon, Bamileke. The Bamileke inhabit the grasslands of southwestern Cameroon. The Bamileke are believed to have migrated into western Cameroon in the 14th century. The Bamileke live alongside the Tikar and Bali in settlements organized into chiefdoms. They are known to be excellent farmers and hunters. Bamileke settlements follow a well-organized and structured pattern. While many Bamileke claim to be Christian or Muslim, the dominant form of worship is still ancestral and most Bamileke practice veneration of the dead.
Artists/Makers: Bamileke Cameroon Read Biography

Bamileke

GEOGRAPHY / CULTURE GROUP Cameroon, Bamileke. The Bamileke inhabit the grasslands of southwestern Cameroon. The Bamileke are believed to have migrated into western Cameroon in the 14th century. The Bamileke live alongside the Tikar and Bali in settlements organized into chiefdoms. They are known to be excellent farmers and hunters. Bamileke settlements follow a well-organized and structured pattern. While many Bamileke claim to be Christian or Muslim, the dominant form of worship is still ancestral and most Bamileke practice veneration of the dead.
Student Work: No
Culture: Bamileke
Geography: Cameroon
Medium: Wood and pigments
Classification: Mask
Accession Number: 2022.01.060
Accession Date: May 2022
Donated By: Reginald and Celeste Hodges
Donation Date: May 2022