Elephant Mask, c. 1900
Bamilekeexpand_more
Indigo-dyed cotton, glass beads, natural fibersexpand_more
The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fundexpand_more 94.2
Not on Viewexpand_more
Elephant masks belong to members of the Kuosi society, a secret society of the Bamileke of Cameroon that maintains the political and social order of the kingdom. Membership of the Kuosi society includes royalty and wealthy title-holders, as well as men of warrior status. It is considered a great privilege to wear an elephant mask as it symbolizes force and strength. The Kuosi society performs ceremonies in the elephant masks and other regalia biannually and at the death of one of their members.
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- Title
- Elephant Mask
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 94.2
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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