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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:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion