Congolese Kuba People Funeral Mask: "Mukenga"
Collection: Spiritual Connections
Object Category: Masks
Object Type: Ritual Masks, Funeral Masks
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Continent: Africa
width: 16 in;
height: 23 in;
depth: 12 in
This is a Congolese Kuba People funeral mask called a "mukenga" mask. The mukenga mask is part of a costume of raffia and beaded ornaments. The costume is worn at funerals of important community members in the northern part of the Kuba Kingdom.
Its form and materials are associated with status and leadership, including cowrie shells. A prominent trunk and two tusks refer to the elephant, a symbol of wealth and leadership among the Kuba.
Source:
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/99539/helmet-mask-mukenga