Skull Mask – Wood – Bulu – Cameroon

Description

Unique skull maskfrom the Bulu tribe / Corss River of Cameroon. The Bulu are among the many peoples in the area to share a reverence, mixed with terror, for the great apes of the forest – especially mandrills and gorillas.
This fetish, half-ape and half-human, is associated with the gorilla cult, Ngi, corresponding to the Fang Ngil society. The gorilla spirit is an adult bogeyman who watches human life from the forest and punishes transgressors by night. It is likely that these rare ape-human figures were owned by senior initiates in the Ngi cult.
Good condition with traces of wear and tear.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.

Object

Skull Mask

Ethnic group:

Bulu

Country:

Cameroon

Material:

Wood

Estimated period:

Mid 20th century

Sold with stand:

No

Dimensions:

31x21x12 cm

Weight:

900 gram

Condition:

Good condition, used with some signs of wear

Reserve: $250.00

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $45.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.

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Location: This item ships from Netherlands

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In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

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Skull Mask – Wood – Bulu – Cameroon

Lot 0268

Estimate $300-$350May 20, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT

Starting Price

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$200

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May 20, 2026 12:00 PM EDT

New York, NY, United States

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