Bush Cow Mask

Origin: Bamileke Tribe, Cameroon
Composition: wood, stain

Carved from one piece of wood in the grasslands of Cameroon, this “bush cow” mask is one of the more famous images from the region, Animal imagery plays a large role in many African cultures, both in stories handed down through oral tradition and in artwork. The Bamileke of the Cameroon Grasslands, who are primarily farmers--growing maize, yams, and peanuts also rely on raising livestock such as chickens and goats for daily sustenance. Largely because of their role in helping to sustain life, animals in the Grasslands hold a sacredness, and are believed to possess a soul and have magical powers. [Masks such as the Bush Cow Mask] “…typically act as messengers to announce the presence of the governing council for the Fon. These masks are also charged with conveying messages of the council’s decrees in the marketplace as well as leading other masked performers to and from community celebrations of the passages of life such as burial ceremonies and commemorative death festivals of members of the council to pay homage to their ancestors. Such masks, viewed with awe and reverence, are based on the African “cape” buffalo, an enormous and unpredictable creature worthy of respect and wariness…with such qualities, the buffalo serves as a fitting symbol to instruct the proper rule of the ideal chief: intelligent and peaceful, although aggressive when threatened. Like the buffalo, a good leader must act decisively to enforce laws and social values. Each chief commissions a new mask to be used as a symbol throughout his reign which will be retired when a new chief takes office. The intricate and beautiful beadwork used in the construction of the UMFA Bush Cow Mask is commonly associated with the Fon throughout many regions of the Cameroon Grasslands. Along with the buffalo, other animal images are used as royal symbols. For example, the serpent, elephant and leopard symbolize the privileges and authority granted to the village council by the chief. (Reference: Masking; Honoring Animals, Ancestors, and Gods, Marni Wishart, Utah Museum of Fine Arts).