Mukyeem mask – Beads, Cauris, Plant fibre, Raphia, Wood – Kuba – DR Congo

Interesting Mukyeem mask from DR Congo. The NGEENDE occupy the oriental marches of the Kuba kingdom. They have created a mask influenced by the Bushong, the mukyeem. It has a stylised elephant trunk on its summit and also sometimes little tusks. Abundantly decorated with cowry shells and beads, this an uninitiated dance mask. We can often find it without patina of wear, because it is also used as an object of barter between tribes.
The 8500 NGEENDE people were integrated into the eastern part of the KUBA kingdom during the 16th century.
Good condition with beautiful colorfull patina of age.