Kuosi Society Elephant Mask
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Object Label
Elephants are often associated with political power in the highly stratified kingdoms of the Cameroon grasslands. Because imported beads were historically rare and costly, beadwork is also associated with high social rank, making this mask a potent symbol of power. The Bamileke masquerade is an assertive but controlled and dignified performance worthy of a royal court. The elite Kuosi masking society controls the right to own and wear elephant masks, and the society assists the fon, or king, as preserver and enforcer of the sociopolitical hierarchy.
Caption
Bamileke. Kuosi Society Elephant Mask, 20th century. Cloth, beads, raffia, fiber, 57 3/4 x 20 1/2 x 11 1/2 in. (146.7 x 52.1 x 29.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Milton F. Rosenthal, 81.170. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 81.170_detail_SL1.jpg)
Tags
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Kuosi Society Elephant Mask
Date
20th century
Geography
Place made: Grassfields region, Cameroon
Medium
Cloth, beads, raffia, fiber
Classification
Dimensions
57 3/4 x 20 1/2 x 11 1/2 in. (146.7 x 52.1 x 29.2 cm)
Credit Line
Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Milton F. Rosenthal
Accession Number
81.170
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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Frequent Art Questions
This mask did not have a description, and I was wondering what it might have been used for
That mask is meant to resemble the head of an elephant -- can you see how the round pieces suggest ears, and the long flap stands in for a trunk?This mask would have been worn in a dance/masquerade. Elephants are symbols of political power in the Cameroon grasslands, where this piece was made.One more note: the person who wore this would have also worn a complete costume including a long tunic and a headdress. Complete costumes are very rare -- even the masks are rare, so we're fortunate to have this one!Did the people of Cameroon have glass beads before European contact?
While glass beads might not have been made in the region, they were produced in other parts of Africa and there were extensive trade networks in western Cameroon that reached throughout Africa and into the Middle East.Imported beads were a status symbol. So their use, rather than locally produced beads from other materials, conveyed wealth and luxury.Tell me more.
This elaborate elephant mask is something that could only be worn by members of the Kuosi society. The imported glass beads used to make this mask were highly prized and costly. Scholars believe that the repeated triangle pattern is an allusion to the pattern of a leopard making this a somewhat hybrid mask.The accompanying costume for this mask would have consisted of an indigo dyed tunic, fur trimmings, beaded vests and belts, and horsetail fly whisks. Many times these are also worn with a large red headdress made of fathers from the African gray parrot.Thanks for the info! Must have quite an impact with the full costume. Sounds like the tunic would fit right in with the theme of the Infinite Blue exhibition.Absolutely! I'm sure if there was one in our collection, it would be in this exhibition as well!Is there anything you can share about this great piece? Was it worn for any particular ritual?
The mask would have been worn by a member of the Kuosi society for funerals, private society events, and some larger community events. The Kuosi society is a private men's society, so not a great deal of information is shared on their internal workings with uninitiated members of the community. Within the Kuosi society, the elephant mask could have been worn by royalty, court officials, or important warriors.Amazing, thank you! You're so knowledgeable.When would someone wear a mask like this? Is it only for ceremonial use?
Yes, a mask like this was certainly only for ceremonial use. In particular, this elephant mask was meant to be worn by members of the Kuosi society within the Bamileke community.The Kuosi society is a private men's society and the majority of their inner workings are closely guarded. The person who would have worn this mask would have been a high-ranking member of the society.Thank you! Is this a social society or does it have another stated purpose?Kuosi is one of several private men's societies in the Bamileke Kingdom. The societies attract wealthy, titled men. Being a member is considered a privilege, and requires the payment of fees to be initiated and to advance within the group.Can you also provide me with some details about the elephant mask?
The elephant mask, made in the grassfields region of Cameroon, would have been worn at funerals! The imported glass beads used to make this mask were highly prized and costly, and the rights to wear such a mask are restricted to royalty, court officials and warriors admitted to the Kuosi society.Thank you so much for your assistance.
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