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Elephant Masks: Cameroon
Elephant masks are the most important masks of the Bamileke people of Cameroon. The long front panel represents the trunk and the ears of the elephant are the projecting side panels. Repeated use of this old mask has necessitated replacement of the ears.
These masks belong mainly to the Kuosi Society whose members include royalty and warrior-status titleholders of the kingdom. The Society’s high entrance fees were once used to procure arms in time of war.
In addition to appearing at members’ death ceremonies, Kuosi sponsors bi-annual public celebrations, not unlike other Bamileke secret societies. The richly beaded masks and their accoutrement constitute the most dazzling and ostentatious display of a Bamileke kingdom’s wealth. There are ranks in Kuosi membership masks and vestments. The beads are usually imported. The fabric here is factory-made broadcloth and hidden beneath is handwoven raffia cloth. The effect is uniquely Cameroon! Just imagine the trunk and ears flapping as the masquerader moves to the beat of the music.