Cameroon Akam Mask

This mask from the Oku area of the Cameroon grasslands in northwest Cameroon was the leader mask for a group of maskers when it was danced.  It is covered on top and below the chin with human hair which is attached to a course sacking material.  It has chicken feathers over the bridge of the nose attached with blood from the sacrificial chicken.  It has some loss of hair, particularly on the beard.  It was collected in Cameroon by Gilbert Schneider who, with his wife, were missionaries stationed in Warwar and Mbingo in northwest Cameroon between 1947 and 1961.

To read more about Gilbert Schneider Click here.

L. 17½"; W. 12"