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African Kuba Helmet Mask

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A well preserved Helmet Mask known as Bwoon from the Kuba Tribe in the Kasai region of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa circa turn of the 20th century. The carved wood mask was decorated with copper plates on the face, and lavished embellished with trade beads, raffia cloth with cowrie shells and hanging seed pods, fur possibly from monkey. The surface and the interior both display good patina indicates a native use (contact rubbing) and age.
Bwoom is one of three types of royal Kuba masks and it is used in dancing ceremony that reenacts episodes of the history of the kingdom. The mask is displayed on a stand that is complimentary and included in the purchase (the stand is not fixed to the mask).
The measurement of the mask itself is 23hx14dx12w with the cloth hanging down.

More Information

Origin:	Congo-Kinshasa
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	wood, copper, fur, beads, cowrie shells, seeds, raffia, steel stand
Condition:	Good. Age and wear in keeping with the age: stains on the raffia cloth, patina on the copper, minor losses on a seeds, shells and beads as shown.
Creation Date:	early 20th century
Styles / Movements:	Tribal, African, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	316283

Dimensions

W.	12 in;	H.	25 in;	D.	14 in;	H.2.	23 in;
W.	30.48 cm;	H.	63.5 cm;	D.	35.56 cm;	H.2.	58.42 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.