Bamum Mask, Cameroon

Description of Significance:

The ceremonial art of the Bamun people in Cameroon is rich and diverse, reflecting a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and cultural expression. The Bamun Kingdom is one of over one hundred different kingdoms in the Cameroon Grasslands, each with its own distinctive art forms and cultural practices. These kingdoms have been in existence since the 13th century and have a long tradition of royal patronage of the arts.

One of the most notable aspects of Bamun ceremonial art is the use of masks during vibrant annual celebrations, such as the ngoun festival. Masks play a central role in these gatherings and are deeply emblematic of Bamun cultural identity. The Bamun people also have a tradition of creating elaborate helmet masks adorned with materials like wood, copper, glass beads, raffia, and cowrie shells, which are significant in many ceremonial functions.

The Bamun ceremonial art is a living tradition that continues to be practiced and preserved, maintaining its cultural significance and historical continuity within the Bamun community and the larger context of Cameroonian cultural heritage.

Origin:

• Handcrafted for ceremonial use in Cameroon

Dimensions:

• Please enquire
• Depth x Width x Height

Materials: 

• Indigenous wood
• Paint
• Cow hide

Display:

• Custom Base: The piece includes the custom base included in the photos. 
• 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.
• 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.