Janus-shaped helmet mask of the "troh" secret society · Cameroon Grassland, Western Bangwa, Fontem Basin · ID: 3049149
Ursula Heijs-Voorhuis, Sint Agatha, The Netherlands
Description
wood, thickly encrusted sacrificial patina, blackened by smoke and soot, collection no. Afrika Museum Berg en Dal “222-4”, labeled “Nachtmasker Bamum”
The “troh” covenant is also called the “night” or military / police society by the Bamileke.
It is divided into different sections / areas of responsibility. One group performs executive functions, such as collecting fines, punishing criminals or settling border disputes. Another takes care of political affairs. One of the most important tasks of the society members is to determine the succession of the king and to ensure law and order during the transition period.
In addition, the secret society is said to have a direct relationship with the supernatural. Its members are reported appearing at nightly meetings smeared with camwood powder and white chalk to practice witchcraft.
The awesome and fear-inspiring features of the so-called “night” masks gives adequate expression to their aggressive policing function. Because of their dangerous potential, reinforced over the years by libations, their owners carry them on their shoulders and not on their heads.
Comparing literature
Lintig, Bettina von, Cameroun, Paris 2006, p. 98 f. Homberger, Lorenz (Hg.), Kamerun, Kunst der Könige, Zürich 2008, p. 184