Brooklyn Museum: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Funerary Headdress (Tugunga)

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Funerary Headdress (Tugunga)

In the kingdoms of Cameroon, masks are often associated with the Kwifon, a secret men's association that maintains social order and acts as a police force and court of law. Masks are worn during the funerals of the association's members and during other official activities. Placed on top of the head so that they tower above spectators, the masks inspire respect and awe.

Cultures: Bamum; or Tikar
Medium: Wood, rattan, pigment
Place Made: Grasslands region, Northwest Province, Cameroon
Dates: late 19th century
Dimensions: 33 x 14 3/16 x 14 3/16 in. (83.8 x 36 x 36 cm)
Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
Accession Number: 73.36
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Melville W. Hall
Image: Front, 73.36_front_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007

Catalogue Description: Funerary headdress. The carved head of blackened wood, decorated by an ochre pigment decoration, rests on a wood neck-base. This base is covered by basketry weavings. The forms of the face are flat in character and are marked contrast to the undulating lines of the headdress.

Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Funerary Headdress (Tugunga)