178. Aka elephant mask. Bamileke (Cameroon, western grassfields region). c. 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood, woven raffia, cloth, and beads.

• Form
  • The mask has the features of an elephant: long trunk, large ears(symbolizing strength and power)
  • The mask fits over the head and two folds hang down in front(symbolizing the trunk) and behind the body
  • Human face
• Materials
  • Beadwork on a fabric backing; beadwork is a symbol of power.
  • Lavish use of colored beads and cowrie shells displays the wealth of the members of the men’s Kuosi society; the colors and patterns express the society’s cosmic and political functions
• Function
  • Elite Kuosi masking society owns and wears the masks; worn on important ceremonial occasions
  • Only important people in the society can own and wear an elephant mask
• Context
  • Performance art: maskers dance barefoot to a drum and gong; they wave spears and horsetails