Helmet Mask Item Number: 1491/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Dark brown wooden mask carved in the shape of a female head, of a single piece of wood. Face features eyebrows, articulated eyes, ears, a protruding nose and mouth and a high forehead, with hairdo carved on the top. A twisted fibre cord is threaded through a small hole directly underneath the bottom lip and knotted.
History Of Use
These Kam style female masks, common throughout the Cameroon Grasslands area, are controlled by the kwifoyn societies, whose membership is drawn from important lineages closely affiliated to the royal courts. The masks are performed during death ceremonies and coronations.
Item History
- Made in Cameroon before 1960
- Collected before 1960
- Owned by Doug E. Chaffee before October 21, 1991
- Received from Doug E. Chaffee (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on October 21, 1991
What
- Name
- Helmet Mask
- Identification Number
- 1491/1
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- wood, stain and plant fibre
- Overall
- height 43.0 cm, width 25.0 cm, depth 25.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Bamum
- Previous Owner
- Doug E. Chaffee
- Received from
- Doug E. Chaffee (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Cameroon
When
- Creation Date
- before 1960
- Collection Date
- before 1960
- Ownership Date
- before October 21, 1991
- Acquisition Date
- on October 21, 1991
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1491/0001