Royal Elephant mask

This elephant mask belongs to the population Bamileke from Cameroon. The Bamileke people are the largest ethnic group in Cameroon and live in its West Region. They are known for their intricately beaded masquerades and also for this piece The Royal Elephant Mask. Their masquerades are very famous, the masks are performed by men and aim to support and reinforce local authority. The Fon, the Bamileke king, is said to be able to transform into an elephant, leopard or buffalo.