Wooden Beaded Mask Cameroon Bamileke Tribe

The Bamileke masks are made to the honor king (Fon) and or important chiefs. The piece is regarded as an object of power and is displayed during important rituals and ceremonies, to commemorate and celebrate the royal ancestors of the present Fon.

As beadwork is associated with royalty and high rank, this Bamileke beaded mask is a potent symbol of power.

 In general, the mask form is a physical mechanism to initiate transformation, whereby the wearer takes on a new entity, allowing him to have influence on the spirits to whom he is appealing to or offering thanks.

The Bamileke are part of a larger cultural area known collectively as the Cameroon Grasslands. Most Bamileke statues represent the Fon (chief). Masks are also carved to represent the chief. Beautiful beadwork associated with the Fon is common throughout this area.