260858 - African Mambila mask - Cameroon.

This type of mask is used in initiation ceremonies.

Hand carved from a single piece of wood, with color pigments.

Size: 23 cm long and 19 cm high.

Hand carved from a single piece of wood

The Mambila are located at the border of Cameroon, East Nigeria. They created statues of ancestors, objects of protection and masks used for the biennial sowing and harvest festivities. The Mambila were famous for their highly stylized black, white and red painted animal masks. They were kept hidden from the eyes of women and were guarded by the head of the family.