This Kuba mask is known as Mukyeem. These masks are worn by kings and are meant to represent Woot, the first man created by God. The masks typically portray an elephant tusk protruding from the forehead and are covered in cowrie shells. This piece measures 23 inches tall, 28 inches including raffia and hair, and weighs 6 pounds. There are imperfections and wear and tear throughout – please inspect photos. Stand not included but one can be added for an additional charge.
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Stunning Kuba Mukyeem Helmet Mask 28″ – DRC – African Art
$375.00
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| Type of Object | Helmet Mask |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | DR Congo |
| Ethnicity | Kuba |
| Material | Wood, pigment, fabric, raffia, hair, beads and cowrie shells. |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height | 23" mask | 28" including raffia |
| Width | 16" |
| Depth | 22" |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Minor imperfections and wear and tear. Inquire for more details. |
Tribe Information
About the Kuba People
“During the 16th century, the Kuba migrated from the north and settled between the Sankuru and Kasai Rivers. Today, they number 250,000 and are subdivided into a number of tribes – the Bushoong, the Ngeende, the Kete, the Lele, the Binji, The Dengese, the Mbuun and the wongo. Each clan pays tribute to the Nyim, the king of the Bushoong ruling clan, but their internal affairs are dealt with autonomously. The Bushoong king and his court lived in a closed palace, known as the Mushenge. The king was responsible for the wealth and fecundity of his people.
Each clan within the Kuba kingdom produced artistic objects with specific characteristics, but there are common stylistic features, including predilection for incised geometric decoration. Cups, zoomorphic divination instruments and boxes were produced throughout the realm.”
Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.
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Additional Information
About the Mukyeem (Mukenge, Mukenga) Mask
The Mukyeem mask is a version of the mask known as Mwaash aMbooy. Both of which are worn by kings and represent Woot, just from different areas of their tribe. In Kuba legend, the first man on earth is Woot. He is memorialized in lavish masquerades and a mask of this sort would only be worn by the king himself. The persona of Woot is summoned to accentuate the continuous lineage that descends from him down the royal line.
A distinguishing feature that separates a Mukyeem from a Mwaash aMbooy is the “elephant trunk” protruding from the crown of the head. This mask will be covered elaborately in cowrie shells, glass beads and animal hair or fur.
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