elephant helmet mask
elephant helmet mask
Culture
Bamileke people
Creation date
1950s
Materials
cotton, glass
Dimensions
H: 32 1/2 in.
Credit line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
Accession number
1989.940
Collection
Not Currently On View
Beaded cloth masks in elephant form are found among some Cameroon peoples. They are worn by a special men’s association, which is controlled by the royals and required to enforce the laws of the community. The mask appears at important funerals and special public events. The prominent circular ears and trunk-like panel refer to an elephant, while the triangles refer to leopard spots.
Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg, Indianapolis; IMA (January 18, 1990).













