Photographs © Hamill
BAMUN, Mask 9, 20", $800, Cameroon
These helmet masks depict males of noble lineage and represent power and authority. Rank and other information is conveyed by the noble coiffures, double-lobed knitted caps and ornate crests using various motifs restricted to royalty.
Many of these Bamun masks show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.