A large carved wooden mask from the Mabouo chiefdom in the Sultanate of Foumban, Cameroon. A smiling human face with bared teeth sits at the centre of an oval board, framed by carved lizards above, beside and below it.

1. Form and Carving

The mask is carved as a single elongated panel. At its centre, a human face projects in high relief: arched brows, almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose and an open, smiling mouth with two rows of carved teeth. Rounded ears stand out on either side, and a domed cap rises above the forehead.

Six lizards surround the face. One runs down from the upper edge onto the crown of the head, two descend along the upper sides, one climbs from below towards the chin, and two more follow the lower edges. The backs of the two central lizards carry fine incised patterns. These animals give the mask its meaning: according to the collection catalogue, their power and qualities pass symbolically to the dancer who wears it.

2. Use and Context

The catalogue describes the piece as a rather unusual type of mask in size, design and expression. It was found in the treasury of the chiefdom, which suggests that it was worn only on special ritual occasions, by the chief himself or by members of his immediate entourage. Objects kept in a Grassfields treasury belonged to the regalia of the court rather than to public masquerade.

3. Surface

The wood has a dry, grey-brown surface. The face is darker and smoother, especially on the cheeks, nose and chin. Wood grain, small splits and fine vertical age cracks through the face are visible across the board.

Summary

A large and unusual prestige mask from a Bamum chiefdom treasury, in which a smiling human face and six carved lizards form a single composition of chiefly power.