Licensing Resources
elephant helmet mask (Aka)
early to mid-20th century
Bamileke people
1989.940
Not currently on view
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Artwork Details
32-1/2 in.
Accession NumberGift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
CopyrightDr. John I. Dintenfass, New York; sold on 30 June 1982 to Harrison [1903-1997] and Edith Eiteljorg [1912-2003] of Indianapolis; given to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1989.
Elaborately beaded masks are worn by privileged members of the Elephant Society during masquerades. The mask serves as a symbol of power and authority at important funerals and special public events. The beaded front panel represents the trunk of the elephant, and two discs on either side of the mask evoke elephant’s ears. The beaded triangle and diamond patterns emulate leopard markings and are intended to embody the animal’s traits of leadership and power. The masquerader often wears a blue and white robe that is decorated with tie-dyed triangular patterns referencing leopard spots.
The mask’s fabric is printed with Iron Crosses, indicating the cloth was imported from Germany. Cameroon was a German colony from 1884 until 1916.
Exhibition Name
Venue
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