Elephant Mask for the Kuosi Society

As beadwork is associated with royalty and high rank, this Bamileke beaded elephant mask is a potent symbol of power. Such masks are distinguished by their large disk-shaped ears and front and back panels representing an elephant’s trunk. Powerful animals such as elephants, leopards, and buffalo are often associated with political power in the highly stratified kingdoms of the Cameroon grasslands. The right to own and wear elephant masks is carefully controlled; only members of royal families, court officials, wealthy title holders, and important warriors are admitted to the Kuosi masking society that wears them. The society assists the "fon" (king) in his role as preserver and enforcer of a rigid sociopolitical hierarchy. These masks are worn at funerals, Kuosi celebrations, and other important events.