| Bamun Tu Nkum Mplet mask, Cameroon wood, pigment ex private collection, Zurich 21" / 53.5 cm tall early to mid 20th century $1800 The embellishments on the headdress are carved wooden cowrie shells. The design depicts the symbolically potent imagery of a stylized spider, associated with wisdom, in the headdress. The pierced lower lip is something often found on older masks of this type. “The Kwifoyn (called Mbansie in some sources) society is responsible for upholding the laws of the Bamun kingdom; members mediate conflict and implement criminal justice when required. To highlight the wealth of the fon and the status of participant members, an annual Nja harvest festival is held during which sacrifices are made at the graves of past fons. Held in December or January, the dry season, the Nja festival is a display of hundreds of anthropomorphic (human) and zoomorphic (animal) masquerades dancing through the palace courtyard in single file. The dancers and their masks are a visual representation of Bamun society and social rank. Tu nkum mpelet helmet masks are paraded by the most senior members of the Kwifoyn society.” - from IMO DARA |
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