Bamileke Beaded Elephant Kuosi Mask, Cameroon

Description of Significance:

In the hierarchical societies of the Cameroon grasslands, political authority is commonly linked with elephants. This mask, created using imported glass beads of great value and expense, is reserved for exclusive use by royalty, court officials, and members of the Kuosi society who have been accepted as warriors. Therefore, it is a strong emblem of authority. When worn, the hood envelops the wearer's head, while two draped sections, one in the front and one in the back, partially obscure the body. The front covering represents the elephant's trunk, and the two sizable, inflexible rings connected to each side of the head symbolize its ears, which sway as the wearer performs a dance.

Origin:

• Handcrafted for ceremonial use in Cameroon

Dimensions (in inches):

• Depth: 1"
• Width: 22"
• Height: 33" 

Materials: 

• Textile 
• Glass beads

Display:

• This piece does not include a base. 
• A custom base can be made for $85 + additional shipping. Please send us an email if you are interested in a base.
• Please let us know if you are interested in a different display option.

About Antique African Art:

Hemingway Gallery regards antique African art as the best artistic expression of aesthetic beauty and storytelling throughout the known history of art. Aside from artistic taste, African art accrues value in different ways than other genres, including use in ceremonial settings as well as age. 50 years can be regarded as old or antique when it comes to wood masks and totems. Hemingway Gallery provides both authoritative insight and context into each artifact in the collection, possessing and readily exhibiting direct, intimate knowledge of the source and pedigree. The goal is to preserve and curate one-of-a-kind artifacts of importance while creating a platform for the acquisition of spectacular unique pieces within financial reach.

Our Pricing:

Hemingway Gallery ethically sources all the fine art in our collection. Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing the artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price in Africa  is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that. 

Shipping:

• Shipped with FedEx Ground: $20
• A declared value is included in the shipping so a signature is required for delivery.
• We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.