Costume Item Number: 3473/2 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Two-piece mask (part a) and tunic (part b) costume. Mask consists of a rounded basketry headpiece, crowned with ten horns, and a rectangular panel hanging from the front. Headpiece is covered in thick braids, made of hair, which wrap around the bases of the horns. The braids then extend downward, draping over the chest and back of the wearer. Braids have red cloth tied at intervals along their length with cowrie shells hanging from their bottoms. The mask panel is covered entirely in cowrie shells with stuffed red fabric in the centre, imitating eyes and a nose. Additional cowrie shells and red fabric decorate the horns. The tunic is sleeveless and indigo-dyed, with off-white designs throughout. Designs are inside rectangular blocks across surface. Designs include: interlocking abstract “X” shapes, dots, concentric diamonds, and propeller-like shapes. Fringe decorates bottom edges and slits are cut underneath arm openings. Black cloth lining around neck opening and slits.
Kounga yegue mask that represents an ancestor. For the exclusive use of elder members of the Bamileke Kounga society, especially during funerals.
Tchuemegne collected the mask from Mr. Tadie Roger in the village of Bamendjou in western Cameroon.