Buffalo mask

Stylised orange, white and black antelope shaped wood mask

Duala, Cameroon, before 1908
Accession Number 3.11.08.3

This mask may have been intended to portray Njona – a dangerous water spirit that resembles a buffalo. It would have been worn with a costume by members of the male initiation associations called Losango. The masker would have appeared in public at funeral ceremonies and to perform policing functions within the community.

 
 

Back to the top