Elephant Mask

 

This mask was worn on the head, horizontally, during ritual dances and is still used today on some festivities. These masks, called the Bali elephant, were possessed by the groups of the highest social rank, as the elephant is a real image. It is the image of real power. These masks participate in the commemorative festivities. The simplest masks are made of wood, the most sumptuous ones are covered with chiseled metal sheets or ceramic pearls.

It is widely used by the secret societies of the peoples of Western Grassland. It rarely appears, as its use is the privilege of some clans, such as the people BabankiThe mask occupies a pre-eminent place during the dance. It's the last one to arrive and also the last one to march. Their movements are slow, calm, majestic, as they correspond to their rank. In Cameroon, the elephant, as in many other African countries, is a symbol of longevity, strength, memory, wisdom and stability. It is carried horizontally over the head. Brown patina.