Helmet mask "suaga" ·  Cameroon, Mambila · ID: 3035746

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, red and white pigment, of voluminous form: a funnel-shaped wide open mouth, horns sweeping backwards, rep. (crack at the snout), fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
the grotesque masks were worn on the head of a fiber-costumed dancer at “suaga” initiation rites and agricultural celebrations. The open beak is said to herald the dangers that lurk in the grounds of the farmer, and portend the nearness of the animals sought by the hunter. The triangular ears and protruding eyes may further imply watchfulness.

The object Helmet mask “suaga” with the object ID 3035746 was last part of the auction 75th tribal art auction at November 30, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 104 achieved a sales price of EUR 650.

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, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, München 2009, p. 412 f.