Mukenge O Mukyeem Elephant Mask
Kuba · Democratic Republic of the Congo
Reference: MFANT-125
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- Height
- 42 cm
- Material
- Wood, cauris, raffia, sackcloth, ceramic beads
MASK MUKENGE ELEFANT OR MUKYEEM OF THE NGEENDE Gets a strong influence from the mask Moshambwooy to whom it is often attributed. Although this mask, also…
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Full original description
MASK MUKENGE ELEFANT OR MUKYEEM OF THE NGEENDE
Gets a strong influence from the mask Moshambwooy to whom it is often attributed. Although this mask, also called Mwaash-a-Mbooy, is still the main mask of the Kuba since it embodies the person of the king and is fronted by people of his surroundings or by notables. But the elephant mask is not a mask. Bushongo if not ngeendeIt is characterized by the long pompom that coming from the top of the head bends forward in the form of an elephant tube, to enhance the king's power and wisdom. The decoration of the mask Mukenge is very similar and more profuse than that of his sister the bushongo Moshambwooy. All of them have a rich and varied decoration of cauris and ceramic beads, as well as skins and raffia.
This mask participates in circumcision ceremonies and in all those concerning the Court.
Further technical information
- Width
- 56 cm
- Attributed period
- Second half of the century XX
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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