Male leader mask "nkam" ·  Cameroon Grassfields · ID: 3036161

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, kaolin, slightly dam. (beard), missing parts (nostrils, parting), small traces of insect caused damage, base;
“nkam” leads its mask group into and out of the performance arena, a compound courtyard or open square in front of the palace. “Nkams” dance style dictates the dance style of his group. After the mask group has filed in, “nkam” signals the musicians to begin. “Nkam” keeps somewhat apart, guarding his position as leader mask, and he determines the end of the dance by another signal, which may be placing his foot on the xylophone.

Comparing literature

Northern, Tamara, The Art of Cameroon, Washington D.C. 1984, p. 144