Kuyu Headdress, D.R. Congo
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Kuyu Headdress, D.R. Congo
Hemingway African Gallery
88 Leonard St.
New York NY 10013
United States
Description of Significance
This Kuyu headdress comes from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and is part of a powerful ceremonial tradition honoring Ebongo, the great serpent. During these performances, elaborately costumed men dance in sequence, each role unfolding a larger story. First to appear is Euya, the “snakeman,” followed by Ebotita, “the mother,” and Djoku, “the father,” whose carved head is crowned with a lizard. The final and most dramatic appearance is Ebongo himself, revealed through a towering headdress raised high above the ground—sometimes reaching fifteen feet—supported by a conical framework of woven fiber.
Far from being a static object, the headdress is meant to move, rise, and command space. In performance, it becomes a living presence, transforming the dancer beneath it and giving physical form to the protective force of the serpent.
Origin
- Handcrafted for use in D.R. Congo
Dimensions (inches)
- Depth:4"
- Width: 4"
- Height: 16"
- Depth with Base: 3"
- Width with Base: 5"
- Height with Base: 18"
Materials
- Indigenous wood
- Pigments
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.
Shipping
- Shipped with FedEx Ground: $20
- A declared value is included in the shipping so a signature is required for delivery.
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 reflects the asking prices set by the artists, artisans, and art dealers in the African countries where we collect, as well as the real costs of responsibly importing their work to the United States. We are committed to challenging the outdated notion that fine art from Africa should be undervalued. Paying artists fairly is our highest priority, and our pricing is structured to honor their skill, labor, and cultural contribution.
Free shipping often means the cost is hidden in the product price, a common tactic that can mislead buyers. In fine art, transparency matters—buyers shouldn’t pay for shipping they don’t use. That’s why our pricing is straightforward, without hidden fees, ensuring fairness whether you pick up your art or have it shipped.
We ship around the world! Our website does not process automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the USA, (including Hawaii and Alaska).
Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information about this specific piece.
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