Kuba "Mukenge" Mask - DRC/Zaire
The helmet mask also known as Mukyeem or Ngaady Mwaash aMbooy. It originates from the Northern Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Handwoven raffia cloth,carved wood, rich designs and textiles were seen to be denote social class and structure. The geometric frame of the mask is made of palm fiber and the face is inset with a cotton cloth. The cowry shells on the mask are used to symbolize the royal people, the more shells a person had on the mask, the more divine they were because it was believed that this person is a descendant of Woot and should be treated as royalty.This mask is used at both funerals and at initiations rites. Woot started the royal dynasty along with the political structure and many of the arts and crafts. He is considered among the Kuba people, to be the "first ancestor". Tribal collection.
Colours: Wood, beads, cowry shells, woven raffia cloth, raffia fiber
Sizes: H1030 x W700mm
Product ID: #565
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Fang Mask - Gabon (wall mounted)
Fang Masks worn by spiritual leader during rituals to drive away evil spirits and symbolized depicting wealth and prosperity. Members of this male society wore the Fang/Ngil masks during the initiation of new members and the persecution of wrongdoers. Tribal collection.
Sizes: H630mm
Product ID: #583
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Mama Buffalo Mask - Nigeria
Among the zoomorphic masks of the Cameroon Grasslands, buffalo masks are considered the most powerful: symbol of force, courage and power. In the Grasslands just amongst their neighbor, (Duala Mama), the buffalo is a symbol of the Chief. Therefore, according to Harter the buffalo hunt was reserved only for the fon King in the Grassland. Amongst the Bamum, the buffalo hunt was the first to appear at the festival, nja, expressing solidarity, wealth and social role of the Bamum. The Buffalo helmet mask was worn by a nephew of the King chosen as the preferred servant of the court. Tribal collection.
Sizes: H450 x W210cm
Product ID: #559
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Punu Mask - Central Gabon
The Punu masks represent the spirit of an ancestor and is commonly found throughout western and central Gabon. The white face represents the soul of an ancestor. The beautiful hairstyles is a common feature among the Punu women. In some cases scarification on foreheads are clearly visible on the forehead. Tribal collection.
Sizes: H350mm
Product ID: #227
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Punu Mask - Central Gabon
The Punu masks represent the spirit of an ancestor and is commonly found throughout western and central Gabon. The white face represents the soul of an ancestor. The beautiful hairstyles is a common feature among the Punu women. In some cases scarification on foreheads are clearly visible on the forehead. Tribal collection.
Sizes: H350mm
Product ID: #228
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Songye Mask - Congo / Zaire
In the Songye language, a mask is a kifwebe. This term has been given to masks representing spirits and characterized by striations. Depending on the region, it may be dark with white strips, or the reverse. The kifwebe masks embodied supernatural forces. The kifwebe society used them to ward off disaster or any threat. The masks, supplemented by a woven costume and a long beard of raffia bast, dance at various ceremonies. Tribal collection.
Colours: `
Sizes: H290 x W130mm
Product ID: #229
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Marka Mask - Mali
The Marka Mask from Mali carved from wood has a dull dark brown patina with a narrow elongated face, a long straight nose and protruding mouth. These masks are danced at the initiation ceremonies of young men, and are much sought-after by collectors. Tribal collection.
Sizes: H740mm
Product ID: #497
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Marka Mask - Mali
The Marka Mask from Mali carved from wood has a dull dark brown patina with a narrow elongated face, a long straight nose and protruding mouth. These masks are danced at the initiation ceremonies of young men, and are much sought-after by collectors. Tribal collection.
Sizes: H860mm
Product ID: #414
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