Elephant Mask

Bamileke artist

c. 1900

Indigo-dyed cotton, glass beads, natural fibers

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A tall, narrow mask is covered in white, blue, and yellow beads arranged in diamond patterns. It has circular ear-like adornments and a face with red and blue accents. Elephant masks belong to members of the Kuosi society, a secret society of the Bamileke of Cameroon that maintains the political and social order of the kingdom. Membership of the Kuosi society includes royalty and wealthy title-holders, as well as men of warrior status. It is considered a great privilege to wear an elephant mask as it symbolizes force and strength. The Kuosi society performs ceremonies in the elephant masks and other regalia biannually and at the death of one of their members. Gallery Not on View The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fund