Kuba (Bakuba, Bushongo), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Initiation nyet mask. The Kuba numbering 250,000live in the area of central DRC bordered by the Sankuru, Kasai, and Lulua rivers. They form a confederation of nineteen ethnic groups dominating by the Bushong, The Kuba’s neighbors, the Luba, gave Kuba people their name, which means “people of lightning.” For Kuba farming is mostly woman’s work. Kuba women cultivate manioc, corn, gourds, bananas, pineapples. Tobacco is grown by the men. The Kuba, blessed with favorable agricultural and climatic conditions, enjoy prosperity conducive to development of artistic tradition. Their villages are well organized and neat. Special sheds are provided for the artisans, whose work is greatly admired. The art of the Kuba is one of the most highly developed of all African traditions, and significant cultural accomplishments are part of their heritage. They have over twenty different mask types considered embodiments of spirit. The masks of the Kuba are among the most imaginative and colorful in all Africa. Masks with horns like this one bear the general name nyet. The wearer of the nyet mask usually danced at ceremonies connected to the initiation, which transforms uncircumcised boys into initiated men who possess esoteric knowledge, but for the most part the initiation ceremonies disappeared today.

Material:  wood, tissue, cowries, beads, feathers

Size:   14”x14”x11”

Price: $260+$35 (S&H)                                          [#B1K6M555]