Bacham Crest Mask From Cameroon

Rare BACHAM Crest mask of the Bamileké of Western Cameroon dimensions Height 46cm x 31cm wide for a depth of 27cm it is semi-hard wood with natural patina, some traces of blackness in places Traces of age wear and small accidents at the crest and at its base indigenous restorations in two places The function of this mask is uncertain but it seems linked to the monarchy of the small Bamileké chiefdoms. For Tamara Northern it would find its use during enthronement ceremonies of the sovereign as well as during his funeral, it would also be used on the occasion of the enthronement of the successor of the deceased king A very high forehead dominates the imposing emergence of the block made up of the cheeks, the nose with wide open nostrils and the oversized mouth revealing stylized teeth. Two small pointed ears. A sculpted collar surrounds the neck. Erosion has cut away the base To my knowledge this is the smallest Batcham mask I have seen, they can measure up to more than a meter high Rare piece free shipping worldwide