An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Mask (mbap mteng): Elephant (aka)early 1900s
The name given to masks like this, <em>mbap mteng</em>, means "animal with huge ears." In the Cameroon Grassfields kingdoms the elephant signifies power, authority, prestige, and leadership. The colorful glass beads that decorate the mask’s surface were imported from Venice and Bohemia (in Europe) and signal wealth and prosperity. Members of <em>Kuosi</em>, an exclusive male secret society, wore such elephant masks for ritual dances and funerary ceremonies.
Performers wore elephant masks with indigo-dyed robes, red feather headdresses, and leopard pelts. Leopards and elephants symbolized royal power.
Cotton, burlap, glass beads, twine, leather, and wood
Overall: 139.7 x 50.8 x 19.1 cm (55 x 20 x 7 1/2 in.)
The Harold T. Clark Educational Extension Fund
In the heart of the Cameroon Grassfields, a masterpiece emerges—a mask known as the <em>mbap mteng</em>, translating to "animal with huge ears." Imagine it, crafted with care, its surface adorned with colorful glass beads that shimmer like starlit skies, each bead whispering tales of faraway lands like Venice and Bohemia, where they were once gathered.
In this rich tapestry of culture, the elephant, the great symbol of power and authority, stands tall. It embodies not just prestige, but the very essence of leadership—a creature revered by those who dwell in these verdant kingdoms.
When the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, members of the <em>Kuosi</em> society gather in the flickering candlelight, draped in the courage and secrecy that their brotherhood demands. Clad in the striking <em>mbap mteng</em> masks, they dance with grace and intention, their movements telling stories of ancestors long passed and the weighty responsibility of honor that cloaks their shoulders. Rituals echo in the air, and the masks become vessels carrying the hopes and memories of generations.
As the drumbeats resonate, they call upon the spirits of the past, celebrating life and mourning those who have departed, all while the vibrant beads glimmer—a testament to the wealth and prosperity that surrounds this profound culture. In every dance and every whisper, the <em>mbap mteng</em> remains a bridge between worlds, drawing us into a narrative woven with history and reverence, echoing the deep connection humans have with their stories.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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