Details
ITEM #:
5605
ETHNICITY:
Kuba.
ORIGIN:
Democratic Republic of Congo
MEDIUM:
Wood, patina of age.
DIMENSIONS:
16″ Tall (40.6 cm) Tall
CONDITION:
Good
NOTE:
Display stand not included
PROVENANCE:
Private Estate Collection – California, USA.
CATALOGUE NOTE:
Known as Bongo, this mask is one of three in the hierarchy of royal Bushoong dynasty masks. A ceremonial dance performance mask, it is worn over a performer’s head. The Bongo mask is the second-ranking royal mask of the Kuba, the brother of Mwaash a mboy, the mask which represents the King. Mboom is the oldest Kuba mask type, dating from the eighteenth century. Royal Mboom masks are always heavily decorated, being covered with metal sheathing and beads. Mboom was in conflict with his brother. Mwaash a mboy mask represents the founding first King, Woot over the right to the throne and opposed his incestuous marriage with their sister, a union from which sprang the royal Bushoong dynasty which still rules.
