Wooden bovine headdress (or helmet mask). Carved from wood and covered with cloth and glass beads. The entire mask is decorated with bright blue beads, with eyes of red and white beads, nostrils and lips in red. The muzzle tapers somewhat between the head and nose, with the mouth open, exposing large block teeth and a tongue. There are small rounded ears, and two long horns that extend toward the back. There are short lengths of cord knotted at the back.

• Iconographic Meaning

  The buffalo symbolizes power, strength and ferocity and is evocative of royal patronage; blue trade beads in particular are also associated with royalty. 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.

• 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 wood, glass, fibre, metal
• Measurements height 19.0 cm, width 32.5 cm, depth 74.0 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Richard Tchuemegne
• Received from Richard Tchuemegne, Michael O'Brian Family Foundation, Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget

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• Made in Cameroon

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• Ownership Date before February 5, 2020
• Acquisition Date on February 5, 2020

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• Condition poor
• Item Classes beadwork
• Accession Number 3420/0047