Buffalo Headdress Item Number: 3420/47 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden bovine headdress (or helmet mask). Carved from wood and covered with cloth and glass beads. The entire mask is decorated with bright blue beads, with eyes of red and white beads, nostrils and lips in red. The muzzle tapers somewhat between the head and nose, with the mouth open, exposing large block teeth and a tongue. There are small rounded ears, and two long horns that extend toward the back. There are short lengths of cord knotted at the back.
History Of Use
Also sometimes referred to as a bush-cow or buffalo mask.
Iconographic Meaning
The buffalo symbolizes power, strength and ferocity and is evocative of royal patronage; blue trade beads in particular are also associated with royalty. Four or five buffalo masks, often worn by royal retainers as signs of loyalty, always accompany masqueraders at death and harvest ceremonies, and during state processions.
Item History
- Made in Cameroon
- Owned by Richard Tchuemegne before February 5, 2020
- Received from Richard Tchuemegne (Seller), Michael O'Brian Family Foundation (Funding source) and Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget (Funding source) on February 5, 2020
What
Who
- Culture
- Bamileke
- Previous Owner
- Richard Tchuemegne
- Received from
- Richard Tchuemegne (Seller), Michael O'Brian Family Foundation (Funding source) and Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Cameroon
When
- Ownership Date
- before February 5, 2020
- Acquisition Date
- on February 5, 2020
Other
- Item Classes
- beadwork
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 3420/0047