Bamileke Cow Mask Cameroon

Description

Striking Bamileke cow mask from the the Grasslands region of Cameroon. The animal depicted is in fact a water buffalo. These stunning beaded Bamileke African masks are an important part of the Nfo dance. Thousands of tiny glass beads are sewn onto traditional fabric and then wrapped around the wooden frame of the mask. Buffulos are respected for their strength and power although in the ranking of masks used in Cameroon the Leopard and Elephants masks made by the same peoples were perceived as being higher in status.