Beaded Helmet Mask Blue-Wooden Mouth - Tribal Art
This characterful beaded blue mask has been expertly made from cylindrical blue beads. The eyes, nostrils and mouth are decorated with small red and white beads that gorgeously contrast the rest of the face. This use of different sized beads also adds a beautiful texture to the mask. A wavy line of white beads runs along the circumference of the head. The opening at the top of the mask is surrounded by a checkered pattern of small white and cyan beads. The exposed wooden inside of the mask is shaped into an inviting smile.
Dimensions approx. 32 x 26 x 33 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.
872