Runner mask "mabu" · Cameroon Grassfields, Bamileke · ID: 3036815
Description
wood, black patina, min. dam., small missing parts (back), traces of insect caused damage and abrasion;
the “kwifon” association in each kingdom has a “runner” mask called “mabu”, that serves as “the voice” of “kwifon”. Members on their day- and nighttime missions are preceeded by this mask, which serves to announce “kwifon’s” approach and to correct improper behavior. In some Western Grassfield kingdoms of the past, “mabu” was also the mask of executioners.
The object Runner mask “mabu” with the object ID 3036815 was last part of the auction 77th tribal art auction at June 28, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 406 achieved a sales price of EUR 450.
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Comparing literature
Roberts, Allen F., The shape of belief, San Francisco 1997, p. 70 Northern, Tamara, The Art of Cameroon, Washington D.C. 1984, p. 160