Mask – Wood – Mambila – Cameroon

Beautiful wooden Mambila zoomorphic mask from Cameroon.
Mambila art is characterized by a heart-shaped face; red and white pigments were often applied later. They are thought to embody ancestors who, according to Mambila beliefs, are responsible for the clan`s wealth. Dances celebrating the end of the planting seasons are led by a tribesman wearing a cephalomorphic helmet mask. In turn, he is followed by a retinue of assistants wearing secondary masks in the shap of adog`s head and a crow`s head.
[The Tribal Arts of Africa, Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, P.194]Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.

Including professional custom made stand.