Beaded Blue Helmet Mask-Mouth Red - Tribal Art
This characterful beaded blue mask has been expertly made from cylindrical blue beads in circular patterns centred around the eyes. The blue beaded pattern is broken up by lines that run along the whole mask. The eyes, nostrils and mouth are decorated with small red and white beads that gorgeously contrast the rest of the face. The opening at the top of the mask is surrounded by concentric diamond shapes of vibrant red and white glass beads. The use of different sized beads adds a beautiful texture to the mask.
Dimensions approx. 35 x 24 x 24 cm
Beaded art from the Cameroon Grasslands collected between 1985 and 2005. Rulers throughout the many Kingdoms in the Cameroon Grassland region (Bamileke –Bamum -Tikar) employed a range of Regalia to assert their political, economic and religious power. Presented publicly in lavish displays of wealth and power, many court objects were distinguished by their elaborate bead embroidery. Imported from Venice, Bohemia or Amsterdam, glass beads were considered a luxury material whose use and distribution were controlled by the King. The decoration of objects with vast quantities of brilliantly colored beads transformed utilitarian objects into symbols of royal status and prestige.
All lots are in the state the collector acquire them. No restorations or cleaning has been performed.
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