Description

Kuba (also called Bakuba)  people a Bantu ethnic group living in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo between the Kasai and Sankuru rivers. The Kuba are surrounded by other tribes such as the Suku, Yaka, and Pende. This is a sculpturally powerful kuba mask helmet with an immense triangular nose, closed eyes, mouth and carefully sculpted ears. It has a beaded decoration mixed with cowrie shells in the form of a trident-like pattern attached to strips of cloth at the top and bottom of the mask. At the bottom of the mask is attached animal hide and rafia leaflets. This mask was used to declare the status and wealth of a masked personage at funerals of deceased initiated men (mubendi). Masked performances acknowledged the achievements of the deceased and their membership in the initiation society.

Material: Wood, beads, Raffia, cowrie shells, paint, Animal hide, Fibre

Condition: Good

Age:approx 50-60yrs

Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo