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VintageAuthenticAfrican Hand Carved and Beaded Bamileke Mask
Rare Find - Excellent Condition
This African tribal mask was exquisitely carved from dense wood, and brightly colored with glass beads that highlight facial features such as chubby figures and bulging eyes.
The Bamileke are from a territory of Cameroon known as the Grasslands. They are famous for producing an array unique beaded objects, with beautiful and the artistic qualities.The bright and colorful beads are the most important appendages to a Bamileke mask because they are used to form intricate and abstract patterns. The small beads areintricately and skillfully embedded on a wood surface.
This mask served as a veneration of the ancestors of the tribe, and as a sign of prosperity and wealth for the royal chief. It was worn during ceremonies associated withthe planting of crops and for celebrating a good harvest. The was also be used in ceremonies requesting the rainfall necessary to fight the drought and famine,and other events at the kingdom of the Bamileke.
Materials: Hand carved from a single piece of wood with decorative beads and wool.
Main bead colors:Green, red and black, with some whiteand orange.
Origin: Cameroon - Bamileke
Condition: Excellent (w/ some museum putty left over on the back)
Dimensions: 14” x 11”
