African Bamileke mask

Size: 60cm (H) - Mask above

This is an African handcrafted Bamileke mask from the Mali region in Africa and has been crafted out of one solid piece of wood. The Bamileke mask has a figure of a man standing on top of the mask with hands on head. The mask itself has the arch shaped face with protruding noise and lips.

This Bamileke masks and masqueraders may appear in royal festivals, they are normally associated with various men's societies, most of which are ultimately linked to the palace and the King. The societies are closed to outsiders, and only those who have the authorization to partake in the various activities may do so. Each society has its own special house, its own masks, costumes, dances and a secret language, and acting on behalf of the king to establish order and to preserve social and religious structures of the kingdom.

Masks like this usually perform in groups of eight to thirty, accompanied by an orchestra of drums, xylophone and rattles. When they make special appearances at the burial and commemorative death celebrations of a member of the group, they are viewed with awe and reverence. All sizes listed are approximate.

The Bamileke mask you purchase and receive may differ just slightly in size, look, and/or color from the mask shown in the picture because each mask is handcrafted and hand painted by individual artists. There is some age to this piece.