Elephant mask

Label TextElephants 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.

Object number93.156

Credit LineGift of Mark Groudine and Cynthia Putnam

Dimensions50 x 25 in. (127 x 63.5 cm)

MediumCloth with indigo dye, glass beads