African Bamoun Tikar Mask - Cameroon

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African Bamoun Tikar Mask - Cameroon:
$84.50

The Cameroon Grasslands is a largecultural area, which is inhabited by a large number of related peoples. Thesepeoples can be divided into three smaller subgroups: Bamilike, Bamum, andBamenda Tikar. Within these complexes there are numerous smaller ethnic groups,which are loosely affiliated with one another and share many historical andpolitical similarities while retaining separate identities. All members of thisgroup originally came from an area to the north and migrated in various complexpatterns throughout the last several centuries. Fulani traders moving steadilysouthwards into Cameroonin the 17th century forced the southern drift of most of the current residents.Many smaller groups combined, while other factions split away as a result ofpressure from the invading Fulani.

All of the peoples who make up theCameroon Grasslands culture area pay allegiance to the chief (Fon). Eachvillage is governed by a leader who is selected by his predecessor and who isusually the head of the dominant lineage within that community. Each Fon isserved by a council of elders who advise him on all important decisions and whoalso play an important role in the selection of the next Fon. Most chiefs servefor a lifetime, abdicating the throne or stool only when nearing death. Complexage-grade societies also help to structure the community. The Fon also overseesthese secret societies.

This mask was obtained from one ofthese grasslands tribes. It was obtainedfrom a trader who traded for it from a village in Cameroon.Size: 10\" H 6\" W 4\" D

Materials: Wood