Art, in Bamiléké culture, cannot be seperated from the environment it was created for; in this case, funeral ceremonies. Bamiléké artists, through social, religious and political functions, express the elements that characterize their society.
One of the things that makes funeral ceremonies so striking is the element of performance. The most elaborate performances are for the chiefs, however, most people are given elaborate funerals. Masks, dances and music are only some of the forms of artisic expression for the Bamiléké people in funeral ceremonies. The symbolism of colors and motifs used is very significant.
Bamiléké art is changing dramatically. As more and more people move to urban areas where the cost of living is higher, fewer people are creating traditional arts. There is not as much art being produced and many of the pieces that exist have either been taken out of the country, placed in museums and art collections or are not in very good condition.
Elephant Mask during Kuosi Society Dance, Bandjoun
