Bamileke mask - Lot 33

Bamileke mask Cameroon Wood and beads H. 70 cm Provenance : - Galerie Monbrison Despite its astonishing diversity, the art of West Cameroon presents itself as an extremely homogeneous corpus, testifying, in all its parts and details, to a perfect harmony with a style that could be described as the "general Grassland style". This zoomorphic mask with its wide snout is covered with tubular cylindrical Tomenda beads. It is probably unique, reserved for royal use. Buffalo were associated with power, and buffalo masks, worn on top of the head, were an important part of every ritual dance sequence. Their beauty lies largely in their colorful beaded patterns. Dark blue or red backgrounds serve as the basis for geometric patterns, creating a striking contrast.