Authentic Bamileke Tribal Helmet Mask Cameroon Carved Wood w/Raffia, Cowrie Shel - $300 (Bethesda)

Authentic Bamileke Tribal Helmet Mask Cameroon Carved Wood w/Raffia, Cowrie Shel 1

Authentic Bamileke Tribal Helmet Mask Cameroon Carved Wood w/Raffia, Cowrie Shel 1 thumbnail

Brookeway dr near Massachussetts ave

condition: good

size / dimensions: 15”x10”

more ads by this seller

QR Code Link to This Post

A striking and finely carved wooden helmet mask from the Bamileke people of the Cameroon Grasslands. Finished in a deep black patina, the face features boldly carved almond-shaped eyes, a strong nose, and a wide grinning mouth with detailed carved teeth — a hallmark of Bamileke ceremonial artistry. The forehead is crowned with an elaborate semicircular headdress of woven raffia fiber and bark, accented by a braided cord band adorned with cowrie shells — symbols of wealth, currency, and royal status. A carved ruff of vertical striations frames the chin. The reverse shows the hollow interior consistent with a wearable helmet-style mask, with lateral cylindrical ear elements on both sides.

Measures approximately 15” long x 10” wide. Weighs 3.25 lbs.

post id: 7931031082

posted: 2026-04-29 16:29

updated: 2026-05-27 18:27

♥ best of ^[?]

reading

writing

saving

searching

refresh the page.

Authentic Bamileke Tribal Helmet Mask Cameroon Carved Wood w/Raffia,...

A striking and finely carved wooden helmet mask from the Bamileke people of the Cameroon Grasslands. Finished in a deep black patina, the face features boldly carved almond-shaped eyes, a strong...