Tribe: Kuba (Bakuba) Location: Samkuru, eastern area of Kasai Providence, Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) Materials: Wood, beads, cowry shells, raffia cloth, twine, raffia fiber. Size: 22 inches high x 10 inches wide x 13 inches deep Condition: Excellent (Email us if you want more pictures). The Mukyeem or Mukenge mask is a version of the Mwaash aMboy mask made by the Ngeende people who were integrated into the eastern part of the Kuba kingdom during the sixteenth century. It has a stylized elephant’s trunk on top surmounted with brightly colored raffia fiber, as does the more traditional Mwaash aMboy mask. The Mukyeem may only be worn by a male member of the royal family. This highly decorated mask is danced at the funeral of a male relative or worn at the initiation rites to symbolizes the culture hero, Woot, who originated not only the royal dynasty but the political structure and most of the arts and crafts. The superstructure of the mask represent the trunk of an elephant which is a royal emblem and symbolizes the power of the elephant and, by extension, that of the king. This helmet mask is made of a wicker-type frame, covered with raffia cloth and adorned with beads and cowry shells. The eyes represent those of the chameleon and red-dyed raffia fibers are added to the end of the trunk. The Kuba people live in the lower Kasai region, between the Kasai River and the Sankuru River, in central Congo (DRC). This area is a lush surroundings of dense forest and savannah plains. They were loosely unified under a Bushoong king, until colonial rule led to a decline in the king's authority. Organized into a federation of 18 chiefdom states, the approximately 200,000 Kuba today are a diverse group who share a single economy and many common cultural traditions. All eighteen groups are dominated by the BuShongo, the ruling group. They grow manioc, corn, millet, beans and groundnuts and hunt extensively. The three most significant Kuba masks represent legendary heroes from their mythical past, displaying the mythical beginnings of the Kuba royal line and to send appeals to the ancestors. These masks are worn in dances during special celebrations, initiation rites and royal events. Three royal mask types can be seen in the ceremonies: the tailored Mwaash a Mbooy mask represents Woot (the original Kuba king) and the subsequent kings; the feminine Ngaady Mwaash aMbooy, representing the incestuous sister/wife of Woot; and the wooden helmet mask, Mboom, representing the pygmy commoner who tried to lure the king's wife away. Each Kuba king and sub-chief owns an Mwaash aMboy mask and wears it ceremonially to demonstrate his dynastic legitimacy. The king wears this mask during royal ceremonies and at boys’ initiation rites when he receives homage from the nobility and people of his kingdom. The elaborate decoration of the shells, beads, cloth, fur and bright pigment colors is reserved for royal articles like these masks. Valuable imported cowry shells and beads were traditional trade items in Kuba society and indicate wealth and prestige and used to embellish garments, furniture, baskets and masks. Further information on Kuba art, culture and masks can be found in two excellent sources: CORNET, JOSEPH, A Survey of Zairian Art: The Bronson Collection, Raleigh, N.C.: North Carolina Museum of Art, 1978. Art From Zaire: 100 Masterworks from the National Collection, New York: The African-American Institute, 1975. VANSINA, JAN, The Children of Woot: A History of the Kuba People. Madison: The University of Wisconsin Press, 1978. Free Shipping in Continental US! |