Bamileke Elephant mask with Special Head

The elephant mask is one of the most valuable objects from the Museum collections and it reflects the recognisable Bamileke approach to the decoration and symbolical enrichment of objects through the use of multicoloured beads. Sacred, royal objects such as sculptures, thrones, staffs, and batons were often covered in beaded embroidery, and on the elephant mask, we notice that this technique of beaded decoration strictly follows the contours of the object it covers, not deterring its structural form.

The use of different coloured beads also allows the transmission of specific messages with the use of line, colour, their combination, and arrangement. Black symbolically represents the connection between the living and the dead, white is the colour of the ancestors and different magical substances; and red is the symbol of life, women, and the institution of regal leadership. The dominant triangle design represents a leopard's pelt, which is also a symbol of royal power. The main motif remains the elephant, which, in its majestic appearance, embodies the king, his authority, and his power. It was believed that the king could transform himself into an elephant or leopard, gaining the competency and character of these animals.