Maska. Bamieleke. Batchman. Camerun.

One of the rarer African masks. When this mask recently appeared at a Christie's auction, it was described as the "Holy Grail" of collectors. The last one with documented 19th-century origins still in private hands. I don't know the results of this auction, but I would probably have trouble with the zeros in that number. In any case, every mask of this type that appears at auction with recognized tribal origins fetches prices in the thousands in currencies stronger than ours. It is difficult to interpret. Some see in it the head of a hippopotamus protruding from the water. Armchairs made in this form are also known. They are associated with King Fon and were used during his enthronement. Masks were also made of ceramics, and it is probably on this basis that the bronze version was created, as is the case with mine.  

It is difficult to determine its age. Certainly the 20th century, and probably the second half. Height 37 cm. Width 23 cm. Diameter of the opening at the bottom of the mask 15 cm.