Kuosi Society elephant mask

Description:	This mask represents the elephant and the leopard, royal symbols of the Bamileke kings power and wealth. According to the legend of the Bamileke people of the Western Grasslands of Cameroon, the king can transform himself into either of these animals at will. The elephant represents his strength and power while the leopard signifies his strength, power, speed and cunning. Elephant masks are worn in a biannual dance conducted by the king and members of the Kuosi association, an elite group of Bamileke men. Typically, the king and royalty were associated with heavily beaded regalia, a symbol of their wealth and prestige. The large ears and hanging trunk of the mask represent the elephant. The spots of the leopard are reflected in the abstract beadwork patterns.
Source:	http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/147
Collection:	The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/;
Copyright:	Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0);
Geography:	Cameroon
Subjects:	Masks Bamileke (African people) Bamileke (African people)--Rites and ceremonies Cameroon

Further information on this record can be found at its source.