Outstanding and rare BAKUBA Beaded Helmet Mask.
The Kuba Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of the Bakuba or Bushongo, is a traditional kingdom in Central Africa. The Kuba Kingdom flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries in the region bordered by the Sankuru, Lulua, and Kasai rivers in the heart of the modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This unusual mask fits over the head like a helmet, made of burlap and cardboard with a beads and cowry shells sewn in it.
The wooden nose bridge covered with a short diagonal rows of turquoise blue and white beads.
Condition of the Helmet is good with some deterioration of the cotton cloth around the neck and crown aria.
Dimensions: 16” high x 13” wide