Kuosi Mbap Mteng Elephant Mask

The African mask is not only the wooden element that covers the face of the carrier but also the complete clothing, including the music and dances that accompany it.

The elephant is a symbolic animal in Africa. It is the national symbol of Côte d'Ivoire and symbol of power and real power in most of the countries of chefs Traditional Cameroonian (majorities). chefs They function as small kingdoms and their bosses receive the honors of true sovereigns. The elephant is linked to royalty, elephant is its symbol of power and wealth. Represented with a fabric mask, composed of the large face mask with flat headdress and two large ears, and two stripes, elongated in the manner of a large scapular, which fall on the chest and back covering most of the body. Decorated with multicoloured embroidery and beads were once adorned with the famous Venetian glass and ceramic beads.

These Mbap mteng masks are the symbol of power, wealth and royalty. The secret societies that use them bring together the most important individuals including members of royal families. The Kuosi secret society of Banjoun reached great powers and exercised important political control in the villages. They were the guarantors of law enforcement. This society determines who are the persons admitted to wearing the mask, always being a member of the secret elephant society, which is under the king's command. These Kuosi masks are named after Tukum orTcho Baptiste andparticipate essentially in palatial ceremonies and also in funerals of the notables.