Wooden bovine headdress (or mask). The animal has two large, slightly curved horns extending up and over its head. There are two small ears on either side, next to the eyes which are carved in low relief. The snout is long, with nostrils flared at the end, and teeth bared. The teeth, eyes and nostrils show remnants of white paint.

• Narrative

  Purchased by Heinzelmann's wife in 1993, in Germany, from the auction house 'Ketterer Kunst Munchen'.

• Iconographic Meaning

  The buffalo symbolizes power, strength and ferocity and is evocative of royal patronage. Four or five buffalo masks, often worn by royal retainers as signs of loyalty, always accompany masqueraders at death and harvest ceremonies, and during state processions. Blue trade beads in particular are also associated with royalty.

• History Of Use

  Also sometimes referred to as a bush cow or buffalo mask.

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• Type of Item headdress
• Culture Bamileke
• Material stain, wood, paint
• Measurements height 64.0 cm, width 28.0 cm, depth 19.5 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Frank Heinzelmann
• Received from Frank Heinzelmann

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• Made in Cameroon

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• Ownership Date before March 27, 2018
• Acquisition Date on March 27, 2018

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• Condition fair
• Accession Number 3294/0002