What is the symbolism of the beads on the AKA elephant mask?
Elephant mask signifying kingship and wealth. 2. Beads were both objects and symbol of wealth.
What was the AKA elephant mask used for?
This piece of art was meant to be used in performance- the wearer also wore a tunic and a decorative headdress. Very dramatic- many people would wear these masks and emerge from “a large palace compound” People often added ivory bracelets and rare leopard pelts to adorn these outfits. Headdress- symbol of privilege.
What is a elephant mask?
Elephant masks were part of elaborate costumes used by powerful groups in the kingdoms of western Cameroon. Members of these societies, whose rituals were often secret, would wear masks while dancing and singing at important events, such as the funerals of kings, queen-mothers, and society members.
Why was the elephant mask created?
Elephants are often associated with political power in the highly stratified kingdoms of the Cameroon grasslands. Because imported beads were historically rare and costly, beadwork is also associated with high social rank, making this mask a potent symbol of power.
What are the tiny African beads made of?
Materials Used for African Beads African beads can be made out of a huge variety of materials, including shells, wood, bone, amber, glass, stone, clay and metals. In modern times, plastic beads are also widely available.
In which region of Africa does the elephant mask society live?
Cameroon
Elephant Mask, Kuosi Society, Bamileke Peoples, Cameroon.
Who dances the AKA elephant mask?
the Kuosi society
The Elephant Mask appears in the tso, or elephant dance, of the Kuosi society. The masquerade is performed at ritual occasions, major festivals and funerals. 2 The complete masquerade costume includes the mask itself, a large red feathered headdress, and sometimes a leopard skin.
Where is bamileke from?
Bamileke, any of about 90 West African peoples in the Bamileke region of Cameroon. They speak a language of the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo family.
What do African beads symbolise?
Waist beads have a long history in Africa and are worn for various reasons and purposes. They are a symbol and celebration of womanhood, sexuality, femininity, fertility, healing, spirituality, body shaping, first menses, protection, seduction, and wealth, amongst other things.
Are Bamileke people Bantu?
The Bamiléké languages, which are tonal, belong to the Grasslands Bantu Group of the Broad Bantu languages.
Is Bamileke a tribe in Cameroon?
The Bamileke are a Central African people who inhabit the Bamenda Grassfields of Cameroon. They speak a Southern Bantoid language within the Bamileke language group….Bamileke people.
| Pe me leke | |
|---|---|
| Cameroon | 8,000,000 est. [1] |
| Languages | |
| Bamileke Languages | |
| Religion |
Why do females wear waist beads?
Worn by women or sometimes men, these beads are viewed as a symbol of femininity, fertility, sensuality, and spiritual well-being. Each bead with its different colours and shapes possess different meanings in different societies and send across messages depending on who wears and who sees it.