Decorated Wooden Face Mask
Item
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Accession Number
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2024.80.
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Title
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Decorated Wooden Face Mask
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Ethnic Group
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Kuba
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Subject
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Mask|Ceremonial|Central Africa
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Country
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Date
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Early 20th Century
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Medium
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Wood, woven plant fibers, raffia, cowrie shells, beads, other natural materials
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Format
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H x W x D: 22 in x 18 in x 16 1/2 in (55.88 cm x 45.72 cm x 41.91 cm)
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Description
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The Kuba Mukyeem mask is is intricately decorated with various materials, such as the glass beads creating facial features and patterns throughout the mask, along with the cowrie shells coating the surface. The protrusion from the forehead resembles an elephant's trunk, establishing a sense of power and stability for the masker. This mask was to be worn during an important ceremony recounting the Kuab creation myth. According to the myth, the first human known as "Shyaam" was the the creator of the Kuba Dynasty and civilization.
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Type
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Face Mask
