Kuba Mask Helmet Horns Congo African Art on Stand

Description

Title
Kuba Mask Helmet Horns Congo African Art on Stand
Type of Object
Mask
Country of Origin
Democractic Republic of Congo
People
Kuba
Materials
Wood, glass beads, cowrie shells, raffia fibers
Approximate Age
20th Century
Height (in)
21
Width (in)
14
Depth (in)
13
Other Dimensions
40 inches on stand.
Overall Condition
Good to fair. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.
Additional Information:
An elaborate, handwoven Kuba Helmet mask.  The hat is heavily embroidered with cowrie shells and glass trade beads in colorful patterns. The composition of the cowrie shells follows the BaKuba favored style of decorative art.
Kuba hats are worn by the Kings, his dignitaries, and by titled women. These headdresses are insignia of status and social rank.They also intend to demonstrate royal health and power. Within Kuba culture, cowrie shells and beads are associated to the wealth and power of the kingship.
See similar example in Patricia Darish and David Binkley, "Headdresses and titleholding Among the Kuba", in CROWNING ACHIEVEMENTS (Arnoldi & Kreamer eds.), fig. 9.16, p. 168
For
more information
see Joseph, Cornet, Art Royal Kuba, 1982, Edizioni Sipiel: Milano; Mack's EMIL TORDAY AND THE ART OF THE CONGO 1900-1909.; Patricia Darish and David Binkley, " Headdresses and titleholding Among the Kuba", pp. 159-169 in CROWNING ACHIEVEMENTS (Arnoldi & Kreamer eds.). For a superb article on Kuba royal dress, with a number of examples, see Joseph Cornet's article in the CD ART AND LIFE IN AFRICA
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