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SAM'S collection

Mask (Mukyeem)

Label TextKuba leaders relied on masks to illustrate their alliance with the forces of nature. Here, an elephant's trunk is added to equate that creature's size, weight and stability with the ruler. Without eyeholes, the performer enacted a slow, dignified dance to personify Shyaam, the first human, bringer of civilization and founder of the Kuba dynastic line. It accompanied funeral ceremonies of great notables.
Object number2001.44
Credit LineGift of the Christensen Fund
Dimensions24 x 17 x 23in. (61 x 43.2 x 58.4cm)
MediumRaffia, skin, fabric, cowrie shells, beads
Object number: 2001.42
Object number: 2001.43
Photo: Paul Macapia
Ejagham
1973
Object number: 81.17.1977
early 20th century
Object number: 2001.45
Congolese
Object number: 2001.49
Congolese
Object number: 2001.970
Photo: Paul Macapia
Dan
1850 - 1980
Object number: 81.17.197.1
Object number: 2001.47
Object number: 2001.351
Congolese
20th century
Object number: 2001.287
Congolese
20th century
Object number: 2001.307
Congolese
20th century
Object number: 2001.314