Details
Description
A commanding hand-carved elephant mask from the Babanki people of the Cameroon Grassfields. Crafted from a single piece of wood, …
Read more
A commanding hand-carved elephant mask from the Babanki people of the Cameroon Grassfields. Crafted from a single piece of wood, it features bold, deeply carved ears, a long curling trunk, and white-painted accents highlighting the eyes and tusks. The back is fully hollowed in keeping with traditional mask-making methods, revealing the marks of hand tools and the skill of its maker.
The mask is finished in a deep brown to near-black wood tone, with white painted accents highlighting the eyes, tusks, and facial markings. The dark surface has a matte patina, showing natural variations in color and wear that enhance its organic character.
In Babanki and neighboring Bamileke traditions, the elephant is a royal symbol of wisdom, power, and leadership. Elephant masks, whether worn in processions or displayed as sculptural forms, were used in important ceremonies honoring chiefs, ancestors, and the continuity of the community. The exaggerated ears and elongated trunk embody both authority and protection. The elephant’s imposing form conveyed authority and prestige, and its imagery remains a potent emblem of status.
This mid- to late-20th-century example has a strong sculptural presence, making it equally suited for collectors of African tribal art or as a dramatic focal point in a global or eclectic interior. At over three feet tall, it commands attention and carries both cultural significance and visual impact.
15.25” wide, 8” deep, and 39” high.
See less
- Dimensions
- 15.25ʺW × 8ʺD × 39ʺH
- Period
- Mid 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- Cameroon
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Paint
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Brown
- Condition Notes
- Wear consistent with age, including natural cracks, surface variations, and marks that enhance its character. Hanging hardware attached, so it's … moreWear consistent with age, including natural cracks, surface variations, and marks that enhance its character. Hanging hardware attached, so it's very easy to hang. less
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Related Collections
- Meissen Porcelain Sculptural Wall Objects
- Arteriors Home Sculptural Wall Objects
- Sarreid Ltd. Sculptural Wall Objects
- Burlwood Sculptural Wall Objects
- Toyo Sculptural Wall Objects
- Royal Worcester Sculptural Wall Objects
- Worcester Porcelain Sculptural Wall Objects
- Staffordshire Sculptural Wall Objects
- Egyptian Sculptural Wall Objects
- Gumps Sculptural Wall Objects
- Army Green Sculptural Wall Objects
- Fantoni Sculptural Wall Objects
- Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Wall Objects
- Curtis Jere Sculptural Wall Objects
- Brutalist Sculptural Wall Objects
- Plaster Sculptural Wall Objects
- Asian Sculptural Wall Objects
- Japanese Sculptural Wall Objects
- Greg Copeland Sculptural Wall Objects
- Classical Greek Sculptural Wall Objects
- Kenneth Ludwig Chicago Sculptural Wall Objects
- Burlap Sculptural Wall Objects
- Platinum Sculptural Wall Objects