Bamileke Royal Aka Mbap Elephant Cloth Mask With Stand Cameroon Sidley Collection

The Grasslands of Cameroon are home to three major cultures—the Bamun, Bamileke, and Bamenda Tikar—each of which is governed by a central leader known as the Fon, or chief. The Fon’s role is central to the political and social structure of the region, with each leader chosen by his predecessor, following the dominant lineage within the community. This hereditary system ensures continuity and stability, with Fons typically serving for life, only abdicating as death approaches. A council of elders advises the Fon, assisting in both governance and in the selection of the next leader, underscoring the importance of communal decision-making in maintaining the region’s traditions.

Among the notable institutions of the Grasslands is the Kuosi society, originally reserved for warriors but now accessible to titled men and those able to afford the means to join. The society plays an important role in community life, with members performing dances at funerals, state occasions, and during society meetings. Central to these rituals are the elephant masks, known as mbap nteng, mbap mteng, or tukum, which are also referred to as aka by the western Bamileke. While elephants no longer inhabit the region, they remain a powerful symbol of royal authority. These masks are adorned with intricate beadwork, including materials such as cowrie shells and beads, which were historically used as currency before German colonization.

This mask showcases a humanoid face with two eye holes, a fabric nose, and an upturned mouth. Disk-like ears are attached on either side, while the top is adorned with small black cloth-covered knobs. The predominant blue and white beadwork features intricate star-shaped patterns on the hanging panels, with vertical, star-like designs in the center. The panels' interior is lined with handmade burlap jute fabric.

This elephant mask exemplifies the Bamileke tradition of using multicolored beads to enrich the symbolic meaning of objects. Sacred royal artifacts such as thrones, staffs, and batons were often similarly adorned with beaded embroidery, a technique that meticulously follows the contours of the object rather than shaping its structural form. The use of color in the beadwork is deliberate and carries specific meanings: black symbolizes the connection between the living and the deceased, white represents ancestors and mystical substances, red denotes life, women, and regal authority. Ultimately, the elephant symbol of the mask, embodies the king's strength, authority, and the belief that the monarch could transform into an elephant, adopting the qualities and prowess of these animals in the process.

Provenance: Niña Sidley Collection

After a long career in publishing, Niña Sidley returned to her first love: collecting the art, artifacts, and textiles of the world’s indigenous peoples. Part of her mission has been to educate others and to honor the extraordinary creativity, ingenuity, and heartfelt messages these handmade works send from their makers. Niña believes this deep respect for tradition and beauty inspires and ties all of us together as one world.

STAND INCLUDED

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