KUBA, MWAASH A MBOY MASK, Democratic Republic of Congo
This complex mask, with its elephant trunk and leopard skin, represents kingly power in a ritualized reenactment of Kuba mythological origins and royal power struggles. Portraying both the god Woot and the first king, the character marries his sister, Ngaady A Mwaash, and contests with his brother, Bwoom, who speaks for the commoners. As with most Kuba art, the piece is densely covered with geometric abstract designs.
KUBA, NGAADY A MWAASH MASK ARCHIVES, Democratic Republic of Congo
KUBA, NGAADY A MWAASH MASKS 2, Democratic Republic of Congo
This mask, covered with geometric designs typical of Kuba art, portrays the wife of the first Kuba king in a ritualized reenactment of Kuba mythological origins and royal power struggles. A Kuba ideal of beauty, Ngaady A Mwaash was fought over by Mwaash A Mboy, her husband and king, and his brother, Bwoom.
KUBA, BWOOM MASKS, Democratic Republic of Congo
This mask, with its bulging forehead, represents the evil brother, Bwoom, in a ritual reenactment of Kuba mythological origins and royal power struggles. Seeking both the throne of his brother, Mwaash A Mboy, and the king's wife, Ngaady A Mwaash, Bwoom symbolically speaks for the common man.
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