Aka elephant mask

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

• Beaded mask; Kuosi society; Cameroon; central Africa; masquerade; costumes; performers; honoring the king, social harmony; worn with leopard skin pelt and full body costume; leopard and elephant symbol of king's power
• Divine king could transform into elephant; leopard thought to transform into human; connection of divine rule and powerful animals; worn by court officials, warriors, titleholders
• Patterns relate to those on the leopard; animals are symbol of power; full of energy and dynamism; various materials, shapes and colors all brought together