Head crest in the form of a bird

In the northern part of the Cameroon Grassfields, local rulers and heads of important families possess large ensembles of up to twenty masked figures, which recreate in visual form a universe populated by humans and animals. Their stunning performances during memorial ceremonies enhance the owners' prestige and add to the splendor of the occasion. Most mask ensembles have bird head crests, such as this one, which may represent a hornbill, frequently depicted in African art