Unidentified

Face Mask (mukyeen)

early 20th century

Category
Culture
Kuba
Place Made
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Materials
Glass beads, cowrie shells, raffia, raffia cloth, leopard skin
Measurements
22 1/2 x 15 x 21 1/2 in (57.15 x 38.1 x 54.61 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Muriel Bultman Francis and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Davis, Jr.
Accession #
73.3
Description

Ceremonial helmet mask in overall conical shape topped with long tubular trunk like extension that arches forward. Front of mask has patch of leopard skin with black and white beaded designs within patch, around perimeter of patch, and covering rectangular shapes attached to sides of lower mask, along with three bands around the trunk. Between black and white beaded designs are linearly arranged cowrie shells that cover all other surfaces. Raffia protrudes from perimeter of bottom opening of mask and out of end of trunk.