Ngady Kuba Kamboko Helmet Mask
Tribe: Kuba- Kete
Origin: Kuba Kingdom D.R.Congo
Materials: Wood, weave and glass beads etc.
Dimensions CM: 24 Tall x 16 Wide x 27 depth Approx Age Early 20th
This refined helmet mask 'kamboko' is from an ex private UK collection, it is made of wood and a woven material. Lavishly covered in cowrie shells and glass bead decoration . In my opinion the mask is older than the woven adornment, masks get re-adorned if they acquire damage, if the mask owner liked the mask but the adornment was tatty, the mask would get treated to a new adornment. This mask comes from the Kuba-Kete people, who are located in Moika in the province of Kasai occidental in Kuba Kingdom DRC. This mask has a geometric hair styling, The beautiful geometric patterns are still visible around the mask.
This is a very fine carved wooden mask with raffia grass helmet like attachment, adorned with beads and various tribal designs.