Grassland, Cameroon

Ceremonial Royal Mask.  The northern part of Cameroon has been Islamized and has no sculpture; on the other hand, the savannas of the west, the Grassland, are inhabited by three ethnic groups with ancestors in common and keeping old traditions. The Grassland was divided into ninety kingdoms each governed by a king, the fon. He ensured the protection of his people and guaranteed the fertility of the fields and the fecundity of the women. While masks and masquerades may appear in royal festivals, they are normally associated with a variety of 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 are authorized to participate in their activities may do so. Each society has its own masks, costumes, dances, and secret language. Each acts on behalf of the king to establish order and to preserve the social and religious structure of the kingdom. Up to thirty different masks might perform in an event.  The present mask is one of these.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 15”, W. 11½”, D. 9”

Price: $235+$36 (S&H)                                         [#S6G4M121]