Buffalo mask "nya", before 1920 · Cameroon Grassfields, Bamileke · ID: 3047831
Description
wood, pigments, cowry snails, rest.
This mask impresses with its dimensions, the large, wide-open mouth, the rounded nostrils and the huge horns. Their forms seem almost
exaggerated, almost caricatured. Comparable masks are depicted at Schädler (1992), p. 171, fig. 137 and Nooter (1989), fig. 798 (AHDRC 0153505).
The buffalo is considered a symbol of masculinity, strength, courage and power throughout West Africa. The mask was possibly worn at dances on the occasion of funeral ceremonies for society members, as a sign of honour and respect.
The object Buffalo mask “nya”, before 1920 with the object ID 3047831 was part of the auction 96th Auction on April 24, 2021, lot number 263 at that time and is currently available for EUR 2,500 in Open sale.
You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Comparing literature
Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Götter - Geister - Ahnen, München 1992, p. 171, ill. 137 Robbins, Warren M. & Nancy Ingram Nooter, African Art in American Collections, o.O. 1989, ill. 798