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Kuba Mweel Mask
About the Item
"Residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kuba people are true artisans whose craftsmanship fueled traditional rituals, performances, and storytelling. Natural materials, in this case cowrie shells, hold a long history of use in African art often associated with beauty and spirituality. The Kuba Mweel Mask was used in ceremonial and cultural practices, namely representing the Kuba Creation Myth.
In the beginning there was only darkness, water, and the great god Bumba. Bumba, in pain, vomited the sun, drying up water to create land. He then vomited the moon, stars, animals, and humans. Bumba sent his sons, Woot and Bwoom, and their sister Mweel to bring culture to the Kuba. Woot, a wise ruler, introduced government, arts, and crafts. Woot led the Kuba and married Mweel. Bwoom, aggressive and jealous, battled Woot for Mweel's love and the throne."
AN OVAL FACE WITH PROMINENT, PROJECTING FEATURES. DEEPLY CARVED PATTERNS, LINEAR DESIGNS, AND OTHER GEOMETRIC ELEMENTS. ALMOND-SHAPED EYES SET LOW ON THE FACE, ALONG WITH NUMEROUS COWRIE SHELLS FASHIONED TO DRAPING FABRIC ALONG THE NECKLINE. CONDITION: WORN IN GOOD CONDITION WITH PARTIAL OF THE LEFT FLAG MISSING FROM THE MASK. PROVENANCE: FROM THE COLLECTION OF A NEW JERSEY ESTATE.
- Dimensions:Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th Century
- Condition:Minor losses.
- Seller Location:Austin, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9603238065982
About the Seller
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Joined in the past six months.
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Established in 2007
1stDibs seller since 2023
9 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Austin, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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