African Arts Gallery

The rites of induction and funeral in African art
More than twenty types of masks are used in the Kuba, with meanings and functions that vary from group to group. Ritual ceremonies were an opportunity to display 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, the hero of culture. The second, known as Nady Amwaash (Ngaady Un Mwash), plays Woot's wife/sister, a character who would have been introduced to give more importance to the role of women. The third mask is called Bwoom. As a character, Bwoom was variously interpreted as a prince (the king's younger brother), a man of the people, a pygmy, even a subversive element to the royal court.
Atborating the headdress of the Kuba queens behind a shaved forehead, this large-scale mask is accompanied by polychrome geometric patterns, some of which, obliquely, symbolize the tears of the repudiated sister. Pearls encrusted on wide strips highlight the features. Once a currency of use, cauris refer to wealth and social status. A thick raffia chin strap borders the lower part of the face. For info on the mask Kuba Ngady mwaash.