Viewing classic African art in situ helps us appreciate the traditional context, meaning and accompanying surroundings framing each piece. Part I of ‘In The Field’ explored the prestige objects of palace life in Cameroon. Part II delves into field photos of Cameroonian festivals and ceremonies to give us a glimpse into the relation between masks, celebrations and community.
Performance of Bamum masquerades, wearing Tu Ngünga funerary headdresses during the patambuo festival in Fumban. The patambuo festival was instituted by fon (king) Njoya in 1910 to feed and reward plantation workers. The masquerades provided entertainment during festivities.
An elephant headdress is held in this field photo. Animal masks are danced at memorial services for the dead. Found in all parts of the Cameroon Grassfields, this elephant headdress would have been for the sole use of the fon or other members of royalty (the elephant is considered a royal animal). Worn horizontally on the head the elephant masquerader is the first to appear during village ceremonies.
A dance of a mask society during a death ceremony in Mboh Oku, Northwest Province of Cameroon — an elephant headdress is danced with a mabuh running headdress to herald in the Kwifon secret society, drive away non-initiates, and prepare for the arrival of the terrifying nkock mask during funerals or commemorative ceremonies.
As with the elephant mask, buffalo masks are danced at funeral services but also during nja harvest celebrations across much of the Cameroon Grassfields. The buffalo’s strength, courage and power are viewed as attributes fitting of the fon, however the buffalo is ranked below the elephant and leopard. 
Beaded buffalo masks during a Bamum nja harvest celebration.
Three djougous (medicine men) in dance costume, wearing crests representing animals. The masquerader on the left wears the mbap mteng elephant mask reserved for members of the Kwosi association of Bamileke warriors and wealthy chiefs. Mbap mteng masks are typically worn during tso elephant ritual dances, bi-annual cultural festivals and at funerals of kings and dignitaries.
Connecting African art collectors with dealers and scholars, based on a foundation of knowledge about the origin, use & distinguishing features of listed pieces
Copyright 2022©