Mask of a notable

Description

wood, brown patina, kaolin, bearded face, large eyes, ears and laughing mouth accentuated with kaolin, round bulging headdress with rectangular recess, slightly dam. (nose), strong abrasion of paint, missing parts backside at the rim, base;
masks are owned by several constituencies within Grassfields kingdoms, but primarily by the regulatory society “kwifon” and important lineages. “Kwifon” and lineage masks perform publicly at the commemorative death celebrations of “Fons” and title-holders and at the kingdoms annual dance, a high point of celebration during the festive cycle of the dry season. Masks of lineage and “kwifon” masks are indistinguishable when they are seen out of context. Generally one can say that “kwifon” perform solemnly in the aura of serious conduct, while lineage masks are supposed to entertain the spectators and keep the memory of the deceased alive.