Elephants command attention as the largest land animal on earth. Bamileke beaded elephants appear during solemn ceremonial occasions such as state funerals. They are said to whistle "tunelessly and mysteriously" while brandishing spears and horsetails. With deliberate movements, they show how the massive force of an elephant has been brought into the service of authority. Those who had the privilege to wear the masks were members of the men's associations which assisted kings in the administration and protection of the realm.
Cloth with indigo dye, glass beads
50 x 25 in. (127 x 63.5 cm)
Gift of Mark Groudine and Cynthia Putnam
93.156
Now on view at the
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.
