Vintage African Hand Carved and Beaded Bamileke 16” Mask From Cameroon For Sale

Vintage African Hand Carved and Beaded Bamileke Mask

Rare Find - Excellent Condition

This African tribal mask was exquisitely carved from dense wood, and brightly colored with glass beads that highlight facial features such as chubby figures and bulging eyes.

The Bamileke are from a territory of Cameroon known as the Grasslands. They are famous for producing an array unique beaded objects, with beautiful and the artistic qualities. This mask served as a veneration of the ancestors of the tribe, and as a sign of prosperity and wealth for the royal chief. It was worn during ceremonies associated with planting and harvesting and other events at the kingdom of the Bamileke.

Materials: Hand carved from a single piece of wood with decorative beads and wool.

Origin: Cameroon - Bamileke

Condition: Excellent (w/ some museum putty left over on the back)

Dimensions: 16” x 9”