Bamileke Elephant Mask

Elephant Masquerades in Bamileke Culture The Kuosi society, also known as the elephant society, is unique in that only they are authorized to perform elephant masquerades. These performances symbolize the authority, wealth, and power of the fon (king, ruler, or chief). Members of the Kuosi society are considered influential people, with ties to royalty, court officials, titled individuals, and high-ranking warriors. They appear and perform at public celebrations, as well as funerals of those associated with the society and the fon.