Mask ("mabu") "mabwo" ·  Cameroon Grassfields, Bafum (Fungom region) or Wum · ID: 3042145

Description

wood, rich blackish brown patina, red pigment, prominent shield-like projecting headdress, round cheeks, open mouth, slightly dam., minor missing parts, traces of insect caused damage;
the “mabu” performed at funerals and commemorative celebrations for important men of the village. They belonged to the “kwifon” society. At death celebrations they announced the arrival of the frightening “nkock” mask. Dressed in a feather costume and accompanied by bird-like sounds the mask danced across the public square, where the celebration took place.

The object Mask (“mabu”) “mabwo” with the object ID 3042145 was last part of the auction 86th Tribal Art Auction at May 27, 2017 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 348.

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Comparing literature

Harter, Pierre, Arts anciens du Cameroun, Arnouville 1986, p. 236, ill. 270 Homberger, Lorenz (Hg.), Kamerun, Kunst der Könige, Zürich 2008, p. 231