In the rich repertoire of masks of the Grassfields, in the small kingdoms in northwestern Cameroon, the crest and helmet masks of the ‘juju dance groups’ are frequent, whereas face masks are rare. The present face mask is one of them. According to the information supplied by the consignor, these face masks are called ‘kunga’ and are worn by noblemen and dignitaries of the ‘Kungan’ men’s association in the Bangangté region, in the southern Grassfields of Cameroon, during the enthronement of a new king (or chief). The present mask is carved from light-coloured wood and dyed black. With slightly slanted eyes, an open mouth, and both rows of teeth. Especially striking is the intense expression of the face. This rare face mask specimen of the ‘Kungan association’ of the Bamileke people is visibly old and shows good usage patina on the front and back and especially on the inside, in the area of the cheeks. With some age-related damage: old pieces broken off under the right eye, on the nose and on the back rim in the upper section, cracks, a minor repair to on the rim, etc. Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century; H: 39 cm. (ME)

Provenance: Czech private collection.

Lit.: ‘Kamerun. Kunst der Könige’ by Lorenz Homberger, p. 178, 179, ill. 66, 67, 68; ‘Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture’ by K.-F. Schädler, ill. p. 69.