Kuosi (Elephant Mask) Society Costume

About the Art

The Kuosi Society is an association of royalty, wealthy title-holders and warriors of the kingdom. Their purpose is to maintain social and political order. Dressed in the kuosi costume, they appear at funerals of important individuals and at public assemblies of association members. The large disc ears and the trunk-like front panel represent an elephant, while the triangular shapes may indicate leopard spots. Elephants and leopards symbolize royal power.

FEATURED IMAGE
Artist(s) unknown (Cameroon, Bamileke people), Kuosi (Elephant Mask) Society Costume, 19th and 20th century, fabric, fur, hair, beads, ivory, feathers, twine, height 67 inches (170.2cm). Museum purchase with funds provided by Dianne Komminsk, 1999.76