Kuba Helmet Mask, D.R. Congo

Name: Kuba Helmet Mask, D.R. Congo
Brand: Hemingway African Gallery
SKU: A43
Price: 3500.00 USD
Availability: InStock

SKU: A43

$3,500.00

Tax excluded. Shipping calculated at checkout

Pickup available at Hemingway African Gallery

Usually ready in 1 hour

Antique African art, African home decor, African design pieces, African art for sale, Traditional African art, African-inspired home decor, Tribal art for sale, Vintage African art, African art and craft, Handmade African decor, African textiles, African furniture, African pottery, African masks, African sculptures, bedroom design, living room design, office design, African chairs for sale, african stools, african chairs for sale, african art for sale

Kuba Helmet Mask, D.R. Congo

Hemingway African Gallery

Pickup available, Usually ready in 1 hour

88 Leonard St.
New York NY 10013
United States

+12128383650

Description of Significance:

Bwoom masks are one of the most iconic and important mask types created by the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. These masks are part of the Kuba royal masquerade tradition, which includes three main mask types: Mwashamboy (representing the king), Ngady a Mwaash (representing the queen or royal women), and Bwoom (representing commoners or outsiders).

The Bwoom mask is typically associated with themes of social hierarchy and conflict, often representing the struggle between the royal family and commoners or between indigenous peoples and foreign invaders. The mask itself features exaggerated facial features, such as a prominent, broad forehead and a bulbous nose, which some believe symbolizes the mask’s representation of the common people. The mask is usually adorned with beads, cowrie shells, and raffia, which adds texture and visual impact.

The Bwoom mask is often used in performances during significant ceremonies, such as funerals, initiation rites, and celebrations of the Kuba kingship. Its bold, expressive design and the dynamic roles it plays in Kuba rituals make it an important cultural and artistic symbol. Collectors value Bwoom masks not only for their craftsmanship but also for the deep cultural significance they hold in Kuba society.

Origin:

Handcrafted for ceremonial use in D.R. Congo

Dimensions (inches):

Depth: 14"
Width: 11"
Height: 15"
Dimensions do not include the base.

Materials:

Pigment
Indigenous wood

Display:

Custom Base: The piece includes the custom base included in the photos.
Please let us know if you are interested in a different display option.

About Antique African Art:

Hemingway Gallery regards antique African art as the best artistic expression of aesthetic beauty and storytelling throughout the known history of art. Aside from artistic taste, African art accrues value in different ways than other genres, including use in ceremonial settings as well as age. 50 years can be regarded as old or antique when it comes to wood masks and totems. Hemingway Gallery provides both authoritative insight and context into each artifact in the collection, possessing and readily exhibiting direct, intimate knowledge of the source and pedigree. The goal is to preserve and curate one-of-a-kind artifacts of importance while creating a platform for the acquisition of spectacular unique pieces within financial reach.

Our Pricing:

Hemingway Gallery ethically sources all the fine art in our collection. Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing the artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price in Africa is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that.

Shipping:

Shipped with FedEx Ground.
A declared value is included in the shipping so a signature is required for delivery.
We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.

Shipping & Return Policies

Kuba Helmet Mask, D.R. Congo

Kuba Helmet Mask, D.R. Congo

Questions?