Helmet mask

Description

Helmet mask or mashamboy with cane foundation covered with cotton and raffia cloth and ornamented with beads and cowrie shells to form a stylised face surmounted by a horn-like projection, worn by men during the babendi, a series of initiation ceremonies: Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, Kuba people, early 20th century

Museum reference

A.1953.335

Collection

World Culture

Object name

Helmet mask, Mashamboy

Production information

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa

Date

Early 20th century

Style / Culture

Kuba

Materials

Cane, Cotton, Raffia, Beadwork, Cowrie shell

Physical description

Cane foundation covered with cotton and raffia cloth and ornamented with beads and cowrie shells