Licensing Resources
elephant mask (Aka)
late 19th century - early 20th century
Bamileke people
1989.1570
Not currently on view
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Artwork Details
31-3/4 x 22-1/2 x 5-1/2 in.
Accession NumberGift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
CopyrightMr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg, Indianapolis, Indiana; given to the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields in 1989.
Beaded cloth masks in elephant form are found among some Cameroon peoples. They are worn by a special men’s association, which is controlled by the royals and required to enforce the laws of the community. The mask appears at important funerals and special public events. The prominent circular ears and trunk-like panel refer to an elephant, while the triangles refer to leopard spots.
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