Bamum Mask, Cameroon
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Bamum Mask, Cameroon
Hemingway African Gallery
88 Leonard St.
New York NY 10013
United States
Description of Significance
The ceremonial art of the Bamun people of Cameroon is renowned for its depth and craftsmanship, rooted in a tradition that dates back to the 13th century. As one of over a hundred kingdoms in the Cameroon Grasslands, the Bamun have long supported the arts through royal patronage, producing distinctive works that reflect their cultural identity and history.
Among the most celebrated are their wooden and helmet masks, which feature materials such as copper, glass beads, raffia, and cowrie shells. Worn during vibrant festivals like the ngoun celebration, these masks are more than visual spectacles—they embody Bamun heritage and spiritual meaning. Today, the tradition remains alive, preserving its cultural power while continuing to evolve within the broader story of Cameroonian art.
Origin
- Handcrafted for ceremonial use in Cameroon
Dimensions
- Please enquire
Materials
- Indigenous wood
- Paint
- Cow hide
Display
- Custom Base: Bamum Mask includes the custom base included in the photos.
- Please let us know if you are interested in a different display option.
Shipping
- Shipped with FedEx Ground.
- A declared value is included in the shipping so a signature is required for delivery.
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 reflects the asking prices set by the artists, artisans, and art dealers in the African countries where we collect, as well as the real costs of responsibly importing their work to the United States. We are committed to challenging the outdated notion that fine art from Africa should be undervalued. Paying artists fairly is our highest priority, and our pricing is structured to honor their skill, labor, and cultural contribution.
Free shipping often means the cost is hidden in the product price, a common tactic that can mislead buyers. In fine art, transparency matters—buyers shouldn’t pay for shipping they don’t use. That’s why our pricing is straightforward, without hidden fees, ensuring fairness whether you pick up your art or have it shipped.
We ship around the world! Our website does not process automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the USA, (including Hawaii and Alaska).
Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information about this specific piece.
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