African Arts Gallery

Masque Cuba (N° 13940)

The rites of induction and funeral in African art
This copy that would represent the man of the people, intended according to Cornet for the initiation ceremonies of young people, does not fall into the category of royal African masks. Torday and Joyce report that the Ngongo of the secret society babende used this mask in the company of the bundu and the gore moashi . Called Ishyeenmaal , Ishendemale or Pwoom itok, it features horns, also present on palm wine cups, and reminiscent of the old hairstyle of Kuba warriors sported since by the chiefs. It consisted of two mats symbolizing the horns of the buffalo. The conical eyes in projection, blind, can refer to the chameleon. The shaved, hydrocephalus forehead evokes the hairstyles characteristic of kuba women. The surface of this mask features two-coloured checkerboards and an oiled patina giving it a smooth, sainy appearance. Restoration of horns. Cracks. Damaged Upper Contour.br-More than twenty types of masks are used in the Kuba or " lightning people, with meanings and functions that vary from group to group. The ritual ceremonies were an opportunity to display the decorative arts and masks, in order to honor the spirit of the deceased or to honor the king. Three types of masks have been associated with dances that take place in the royal precinct: the first, called Moshambwooy , represents Woot , the founder of the Bushoong subtribe, the hero of culture. The second, known Nady Amwaash (Ngaady Un Mwash), plays Woot's wife/sister, a character who was reportedly introduced to give more importance to the role of women. The third mask is called Bwoom.