Fine Field Used Kuba Ngaady a Mwaash ceremonial mask

Description

A Beautiful old field used dance mask with elaborate painted designs and embellished with shells beads and textiles.  Kuba peoples, DRC/ Congo, central Africa.  This mask is known as "Ngaady a Mwaash"  the sister and wife of Mukenga, represents all women in the Bushong creation myth. Bark cloth, covering the back of the mask, is a form of ancestral clothing.
Participating in male initiation ceremonies with Mukenga and Bwoom, Ngaady a Mwaash is played by a male who imitates female bearing. The mask's complex patterning of lines (tears) and triangles (hearthstone) attests to the hardships of birth and death as well as the domestic role of women within the culture.
This mask measures 12.5 x 8 inches, and will also include a durable display stand.
The interior of the mask shows extensive use and sweat stains.
From a private New Jersey collection, USA.