Mask (Ngady Mwaash)

early 20th century

Geometric order covers this female face. She also provided intellectual order in her role as oral historian and dance instructor. During events convened by royal patrons, viewers would admire her careful choreography and serenity. Parallel lines beneath her eyes are said to represent tears.

Kuba history credits a Queen Ngokady with inventing this mask for men to wear, emblematic of the difficulties faced by a mythic woman who had an incestuous relationship with her royal brother.

Raffia, wood, fabric, cowrie shells, beads, polychrome, pearls

15 x 8 x 10in. (38.1 x 20.3 x 25.4cm)

Gift of the Christensen Fund

2001.45

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Disguise: Masks and Global African Art, June 18 - Sept. 7, 2015 (Los Angeles, California, Fowler Museum at UCLA, Oct. 18, 2015 - Mar. 13, 2016; Brooklyn, New York, Brooklyn Museum, Apr. 29 - Sept. 18, 2016).

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