Mask "ngady mwaash" · D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3053143
Starting price
EUR 3,000
Estimated price
EUR 6,000
Provenance
French Private CollectionSize
H: 37 cm
H: 14.6 inch
Description
wood, pigments, cloth, beads, shells, leather,
“Ngady mwaash” means the wife or companion of a male mask. The prototype for this mask is the Kete mask “Mukasha ka muadi” (= female mask). Like other masks from southern Cuba, the mask is decorated with a variety of contrasting geometric patterns, including triangles and parallel lines. The parallel lines on the cheeks are described as “tears” - an indication that the mask is primarily used at funeral ceremonies for deceased members of the initiation society.
Comparing literature
Binkley, David A. & Patricia Darish, Kuba, Milan 2009, pl. 9