Vintage Large African Tribal Beaded Kuba Royal Head Mask/Helmet Congo 22" H

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Impressive vintage beaded Kuba ceremonial headdress/helmet from Congo, hand made with wood, beaded cloth, and raffia. This royal mask features … Read more Impressive vintage beaded Kuba ceremonial headdress/helmet from Congo, hand made with wood, beaded cloth, and raffia. This royal mask features culturally significant beaded geometric motifs and ritual cowrie shell embellishments. Within the extensive Kuba masking tradition—comprising over twenty distinct varieties—this particular form functioned during initiation ceremonies, personifying Woot, the mythological first ancestor who named creation's elements and established civilization, earning the Kuba their cultural identifier as "Children of Woot." The substantial mask (22" height × 12" width × 9" depth) lacks visual openings, necessitating guided assistance during ritual performances. the helmet exhibits appropriate patina and wear /beads loss due to age overall good condition.

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