Elephant Mask with Leopard Crest, Bamileke, Cameroon, 20th century WHY DID THE ARTIST CHOOSE TO USE THESE STYLES AND FORMS? This mask was made by the Bamileke people of Cameroon. The many intricately sewn beads are a sign of wealth and prestige. There are three animals in this mask. The principal animal depicted is an elephant (easily identified by the large flopping ears), the animal standing on top is a leopard, and above the elephant's left eye there is an outline of a frog. (It is very difficult to see the frog.) In understanding why these animals are depicted in this mask, it helps to think about the qualities each animal possesses or what importance each may hold for the Bamileke people. The elephant is a very big, strong, and intelligent animal. The leopard is graceful, cunning, and very fast. The leopard also represents the power of the chief in Bamileke society. The mask is decorated with a geometric pattern of white bead triangles. These triangles are meant to represent the spots of the leopard's coat, another reference to royalty. The frog is a sign of fertility, which means the ability to produce offspring. By looking at the animals used to decorate this mask, we can decipher that this mask was meant to express strength, intelligence, cunning, and status (or importance in society). It was also meant to bring fertility and prosperity to the people who used it. PART 3-PAGE 6 OF 7
SLIDE 17
WHY DOES THIS OBJECT LOOK THE WAY IT DOES?
Introduction | Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Slide List | Museum Visit