Aka elephant mask
Bamileke (Cameroon, western grassfields region). c. 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood, woven raffia, cloth, and beads
The elite Kuosi masking society controls the right to own and wear elephant masks, since both elephants and beadwork are symbols of political power in the kingdoms of the Cameroon grasslands. Masked performances have a variety of purposes. Both of the masks displayed here were performed to support political authority, but in different contexts. The mask may have exerted the will of village elders by imposing economic prohibitions or organizing hunting parties to provide for and protect the village.
Full Identification:
Aka Elephant Mask
Bamileke (Cameroon, western grasslands region)
c. 19th to 20th Century C.E.
Wood
Form:
Elephant mask composed of colorful cloth and beads
Mask wears its own hat
Hoodlike face- round eyes with red beads and white cloth- strong navy blue tones in the cloth
Cowrie shell decoration on the face and rest of mask
Two long panels- represent the elephant’s trunk- woven raffia fiber adorns the edges of the trunk
Isosceles triangle- geometric designs- sometimes in the shape of an hourglass
Two circles- elephants ears .
Function:
This piece of art was meant to be used in performance- the wearer also wore a tunic and a decorative headdress
Very dramatic- many people would wear these masks and emerge from “a large palace compound”
People often added ivory bracelets and rare leopard pelts to adorn these outfits
Headdress- symbol of privilege
Made of red feathers usually (from the African gray parrot)- left the audience awestruck
Purpose was to emphasize the complete power and dominance of the Bamileke king
Content:
Intended to worship the elephant- this animal was always seen as a symbol of sovereignty/royal authority
Beads imported from Venice and the Middle East- represent great wealth and status
Black beads- relationship between living and the dead
White beads- ancestors and medicines
Red beads- life and women
Triangular pattern of beads- similar to the configuration of a leopard's spots- this animal was also seen as a great symbol of power and authority- required a lot of respect
Context:
Kuosi- elite masking society that owned and wore these Aka Elephant masks
Included royal family, wealthy title holders, and ranking warriors- all came together and showed off the masks during the masquerade
Themes:
Animals and art
Tradition
Domestic life
Identity- community and connection to ancestors
Symbolism- animals symbolizing power and authority
Performance (masquerade of the Kuosi people)
Family/Ancestors
Cross Cultural Connection:
Bernini, Ecstasy of Saint Teresa
Staff God
Queen Hatshepsut with Offering Jars
All of these works use the finest materials present in each culture (i.e. marble, brass, beads, or barkcloth) and represent power and status of royal/authority figures.
