Buffalo-Antelope Helmet Mask, Bamileke/Bamum, Cameroon / Grassfields Region,

Monumental zoomorphic ritual mask carved from a single block of hardwood, depicting a highly stylized buffalo or antelope head with elongated snout, open mouth showing carved teeth and prominently modeled curved horns. Overall height approximately 87 cm including the horns. Material: Hardwood. Provenance: Old private collection of African Art assembled in the second half of the 20th century and comprising several hundred objects. Such zoomorphic masks are characteristic of ceremonial performances and court traditions of the Cameroon Grassfields. Carved from very heavy hardwood with dark brown patina and hand-hollowed interior.

Condition with age cracks including a long structural side crack and an old repair to one horn, consistent with age and use.

Length of mask 60 cm; overall length with horns 87 cm; width 38 cm.

Material: Hardwood.

From an old Austrian collection.