A Bamum "Tu-Ngunga" carved wood helmet mask
Early/mid-20th century; Bamum Peoples, Grassfields, Cameroon, East Africa
Appears unmarked
The large carved wood helmet mask with a toothy grimace, prominent ears, and an ornately carved coiffure; on later added metal stand, 2 pieces,
Mask:18.5" H x 12" W x 11.5" D; with stand: 25.25" H x 12" W x 11.5" D
Provenance: Property of the American Broadcasting Company, New York
Walt Disney Co., Burbank, California, acquired by corporate merger with the above
Private Collection, Los Angeles, California, acquired from the above

Other Notes: The Nsorro military society consists of male members that have killed an enemy of the Bamum fon during a battle and as such are recognized for their bravery and allegiance to the fondom. The "Tu-Ngunga" mask (meaning ehead for the dancei; tu meaning eheadi, ngunga meaning edancei) is a ceremonial worn headdress during the funerals of deceased Nsorro members, Fons and other members of royalty within the Bamum society. The mask is worn atop the head with a raffia shield to disguise the wearer. Used to invoke images of deceased fons and their wives, "tu ngunga" masquerades always dance in male / female pairs with the male headdress represented wearing a Bamum prestige cap and the female headdress represented with an elegant female coiffure.

Overall good condition with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, shrinkage cracks, indentations, and separation at joints commensurate with age and use. As well, there is a large area of loss behind the nose, which may have originally functioned as sight holes for the wearer. Additionally, there is a sizable chip to the lower lip as well as the right ear. The mask has the expected patination of an item that was repeatedly worn and used in ceremony and possible evidence of woodworm. Lastly, there are holes present in the ears and various other areas that were likely adorned, but the ornament has since been lost. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.