Bamileke ceremonial mask. Cameroon, first half of the 20th century

Bamileke ceremonial mask. Cameroon, first half of the 20th century.
Carved wood.
From the C. Bea Collection.
Measurements: 45 x 32 x 18 cm.

The Bamileke are an ethnic group from the plains of southwestern Cameroon. They originated in the north and became sedentary between the 16th and 19th centuries, intermingling with the indigenous population. They resisted slavery by resorting to suicide and revolt. They are organized into ninety kingdoms ruled by a king or “fon,” the direct heir of the founder—a great mythical warrior and elephant hunter—who ensured the protection of his people and guaranteed the fertility of the fields and the fruitfulness of women. In the Bamileke region, the “fon” held almost all power, whereas in other areas he performed only a cultural and religious role. This king entrusted certain members of his inner circle with the custody of the sacred sculptures, as dispersing the collection served as a safeguard against frequent fires. Within this sculptural tradition, the masks designed to instill fear were crafted by the societies responsible for maintaining order. All boys belonged to associations organized by age group. In general, works of art served as symbols of one’s position within the hierarchy. One of the main functions of sculpture was to commemorate and venerate the royal ancestors of the “fon,” although there were also works related to other fundamental aspects of religion, such as fertility. Artistic crafts flourished in Bamileke society, including architectural sculpture, embroidery, beadwork, fabric printing, and lost-wax casting.