{"product_id":"aa04275","title":"Bamileke Tribe Female Metal Body Mask ~22.0\" Tall (New 2026)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e H:22.0\" W:5.9\" L:11.8\" Weight: 6.0 lbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003eBamileke Tribe Female Metal Body Mask\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003e – These masks are primarily made from metal, often bronze or brass by the Bamileke people in the western highlands of Cameroon. The use of metal signifies wealth and status, as it is a durable and valuable material. The female body mask symbolizes fertility, motherhood, and the earth's nurturing qualities. It is often associated with female deities or ancestral spirits. These masks are worn during special ceremonies, including fertility rites, harvest festivals, and rituals to honor female ancestors. The wearer, typically a male dancer, wears the mask to embody the spirit and power it represents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003eAbout the Tribe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;\"\u003eThe Bamileke people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Cameroon, primarily residing in the west and northwestern grasslands regions of the country. The Bamileke people are believed to have migrated from Egypt between the 11th and 14th centuries. They are composed of several subgroups, each with its own distinct customs and traditions and they speak several dialects of the grassfields language family that are all closely related. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, intricate social organization, and economic activities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"African Angel Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57362656493728,"sku":"AA04275","price":1120.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0541\/0829\/1232\/files\/AA04275.jpg?v=1779869057","url":"https:\/\/www.africanangelart.com\/products\/aa04275","provider":"African Angel Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}