Royal Altar Mask
Bamileke · Cameroon
Reference: MSOAL-9
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- Height
- 46 cm
- Material
- Wood and pigments
The altar masks do not dance or participate in dances, they are sacred masks that are kept in the sanctuary. Only priests and initiates can approach…
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Full original description
The altar masks do not dance or participate in dances, they are sacred masks that are kept in the sanctuary. Only priests and initiates can approach them and offer sacrifices. Very similar are the floor masks, which are placed at the pace of the courtship of the sovereigns, often up to the altar. They're eyeless masks.Masks that participate in dances during funeral, play or religious ceremonies are usually provided with holes that allow visibility to their bearer. Orifices that are not necessary in helmet or scimer masks, nor in shoulder masks. Other masks can be worn in the hand, walked in procession, placed on the floor during certain ceremonies or kept in the family altars of the houses. This is the reason that justifies the existence of numerous eyeless masks.
This mascra representing a typically bamileké face is surrounded by lizards, whichfor the Bamileké of Grassland symbolizes the fruitful powers, life and rebirth of the kingdom. The agility and vigilance of the king and the notables.
Further technical information
- Width
- 29 cm
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX
- Recorded weight
- 1 g
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.
