Elephant Mask

Elephant masks belong to members of the Kuosi society, a secret society of the Bamileke of Cameroon that maintains the political and social order of the kingdom. Membership of the Kuosi society includes royalty and wealthy title-holders, as well as men of warrior status. It is considered a great privilege to wear an elephant mask as it symbolizes force and strength. The Kuosi society performs ceremonies in the elephant masks and other regalia biannually and at the death of one of their members.