Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8

Mid 20th Century African Kuba Helmet Tribal Mask Shells, Animal Fibres, Raffia

About the Item

Mid 20thC Kuba Helmet Tribal Mask Shells, Animal Fibres, Raffia A Kuba helmet refers to a type of ceremonial headgear created by the Kuba people of Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Kuba people have a rich artistic tradition, and their art is often associated with their royal court and cultural ceremonies. Kuba helmets are known for their elaborate and intricate designs, featuring a combination of materials such as wood, beads, shells, cowrie shells, fibers, and sometimes even metal. These helmets are typically worn during important ceremonies and events, symbolizing the wearer's social status, wealth, and spiritual connections. The designs on Kuba helmets often incorporate geometric patterns, symbols, and figurative elements. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in these helmets reflect the cultural significance of art among the Kuba people. They are not only functional items but also serve as powerful symbols within the context of Kuba society. Each helmet may have specific meanings and may be associated with particular rites or ceremonies. Good condition Free international shipping.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 22.45 in (57 cm)Width: 19.69 in (50 cm)Depth: 18.9 in (48 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    mid 20th century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Nottingham, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9003237944912

More From This Seller

View All
African Tribal Dogon Peoples (Mali) Pigment, Fiber, Hardwood Walu Antelope Mask
Located in Nottingham, GB
There are nearly eighty styles of Dogon masks, and for the most part they all utilize the use of various geometric shapes in their design, independent of the various animals they are...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Art

Materials

Natural Fiber, Hardwood

Belgian Still Life Flowers Signed Oil Painting Mid 20th Century
Located in Nottingham, GB
In good condition From a private collection Free international shipping Belgian Still Life Flowers Signed Oil Painting Mid 20th Century
Category

20th Century Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Huge Life Size Brass Eagle Sculpture Early 20th Century
Located in Nottingham, GB
Huge Brass Eagle Sculpture 19th Century Good condition. From a private collection. Free international shipping.
Category

Early 20th Century Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Belgian Liege Canal Signed Oil Painting Early 20th Century
Located in Nottingham, GB
In good condition From a private collection Free international shipping Belgian Liege Canal Signed Oil Painting Early 20th Century
Category

Early 20th Century Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Belgian School Snow Landscape Oil Painting Early 20th Century
Located in Nottingham, GB
In good condition From a private collection Free international shipping Belgian School Snow Landscape Oil Painting Early 20th Century
Category

Early 20th Century Paintings

Materials

Paint

C. F. Henry Belgian Winter Village Oil Painting Signed Early 20th Century
Located in Nottingham, GB
In good condition From a private collection Free international shipping C. F. Henry Belgian Winter Village Oil Painting Signed Early 20thC
Category

Early 20th Century Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

You May Also Like

African Kuba Helmet Mask on Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Helmet Mask known as Bwoon from the Kuba Tribe in the Kasai region of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa circa mid-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...
Category

20th Century Congolese Tribal Masks

Materials

Copper

Tribal Textile, Kuba Shoowa 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
A late 19th or early 20th century Kuba Prestige cloth, mostly embroidered with cut pile borders.
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Natural Fiber

Tribal Textile, Kuba Shoowa 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
An example of the continuation of the Kuba design tradition into the late 20th century. Technically superb, an amalgamation of traditional patterns interpreted by contemporary artist...
Category

Late 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Natural Fiber

Kuba Mask African Bwoom Tribal Congo in Wood, Vibrates Vegetables, Animal Hair
Located in Milano, IT
The African Kuba Bwoom tribal mask is the oldest known mask, the Kuba bwoom mask. The materials used for the realization of the Mask are: Wood, colors and vibrates plants, caures, beads, animal hair. In dance it expresses exuberance and joy. The style is similar to that of the middle Kasai. This mask is a helmet with animal hair, carved with a very wide forehead and hollow cheeks that are announced by motifs or dashes and beads. The mouth of the mask is very pronounced carved in wood and then applied on the mask. To distinguish the forehead in different areas are used black and white beads to draw attention to other aspects of the face such as the nose and chin. The entire edge of the chin is surrounded by beads of various colors. The person wearing the mask cannot look because there are no holes for the eyes present; the mask must create the feeling of being blind. Some masks similar to the bwoom mask include the funny mask, the ram mask and initiation masks such as Nnup. The real Kuba masks...
Category

Antique 1620s Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Animal Skin, Organic Material, Wood

Powerful Scarified Makonde Portrait Helmet Mask Tanzania, Early 20th C Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Powerful Scarified Makonde portrait helmet mask from Tanzania. Early 20th century with heavy dark patina from traditional tribal use, wear inside from being used. Finely carved featu...
Category

Early 20th Century Tanzanian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Striking Makonde Animal Helmet Mask, Dog or Hyena, Tanzania, Early 20th C.
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Striking Makonde animal helmet mask, dog or hyena, Tanzania. Early 20th century with dark patina from traditional tribal use, wear inside from being used. Finely carved features, wit...
Category

Early 20th Century Tanzanian Tribal Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Recently Viewed

View All