“Elephant of Joy” – Cameroon

Long, elephant-like mask, symbolizing livelihood, strength, security, and happiness. The intricately-carved trunk protrudes downward, and its snout is covered in gold metal paint and embellished with hammered grooves, a symbol of wealth. The length of the trunk is embellished with diamond shapes painted in metal. Two ivory tusks encircle the trunk, and two oval-shaped eyes, also painted in metal, are edged with a thin, decorative line. The elephant’s forehead is stamped with a silver-colored metal design, trimmed with hammered grooves. Two large concave-shaped ears hang at either side of the head, inside of which are silver-painted metal designs with hammered grooves, surrounded by diamond shapes painted in gold metal.