Batcham mask
Bamileke · Cameroon
Reference: MFG-1
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- Height
- 82 cm
- Material
- Wood
Large mask belonging to the secret society Msop who intervenes during the king’s enthronement ceremony (Fo) This great mask Tsesah or Tsemabu represents an average animal…
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Full original description
Large mask belonging to the secret society Msop who intervenes during the king’s enthronement ceremony (Fo) This great mask Tsesah or Tsemabu represents an average animal figure, the hippopotamus, and half human, with cubistic nuances. The chiefs displayed these masks in funeral ceremonies, trials or in the appointment of the successor, but they appear rarely and within the royal palace. They belong to the large Bamileké family of the traditional district or head office (Chefferie) of Bandjoun. Batcham means “hospital” . Name that comes from very old, when during tribal wars people who fled sought refuge in the headquarters of Batcham.
Further technical information
- Width
- 26 cm
- Attributed period
- First third century XX or older
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Cameroon. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
