Large Ceremonial Mask, Batcham People, Cameroon, early twentieth century. Carved wood with pigments. This unusually horizontal example of a Tsesah from the Bamileke culture in the western Grasslands of Cameroon is designed on a symmetrical vertical axis with chiseled furrows, stylized eyes, lips, nostrils, an ovular mouth with multiple teeth and swollen cheeks The mask depicts a hippopotamus emerging from watery depths, conveying nature’s power conferred to enthroned royalty. The mask comes with a custom made steel display stand.
DIMENSIONS: 28"H x 34"W x 12"D; 55"H on stand.
PROVENANCE: Private collection.
CONDITION: Patinated, aged with some material and pigment losses.
DIMENSIONS: 28"H x 34"W x 12"D; 55"H on stand.
PROVENANCE: Private collection.
CONDITION: Patinated, aged with some material and pigment losses.