ART IN CONTEXT:
How is the Elephant Mask Used?
Royal Ceremonies
This headdress is worn for royal ceremonies by powerful members of
society;
such as princes
and important business leaders.
The Costume
As you can
see in the picture, the headdress is only one part of the costume.
Click on the picture for a closer view of how is the mask worn
with a large
robe (in this case, it is black and tan) so that no one knows who is
underneath the mask. In some cases, the dancer will wear a leopard
pelt on his back (Leopards also symbolize royalty).
Respect
The members of the Kuosi society are very important to the Bamileke
people because they are the king's important advisors. This mask, with
the power of the elephant
and the leopard, inspires
respect for the laws and for the ruler of the kingdom.
Wealth
The Kuosi society show off their wealth by making this mask from colorful
beads that are very expensive. The elephant is also
considered a sign of wealth because of its ivory tusks.
Introduction
To Inspire Respect For Royalty
To Celebrate A Good Harvest
To Teach Young Women
To Seek Protection and Honor Ancestors
Go Back
