Democratic Republic of Congo

Ngongo (Kuba)

Wood, cowrie shells, raffia, fabric
Mid 20th century
Length: 46 in, Width: 19 in, Depth: 19 in
Other – Regalia – Headdress

This Ngongo helmet headdress called mukyeem, is often mistaken as the mashambooy of Kuba Bushoong. There are small differences, but both masks are associated with the power of nature spirits. The mukyeem helmet seen here, is the greatest of the three most significant masks of the BaKuba, representing Woot, the first ancestor. The large, protruding horn is in the form of a bent elephant tusk sometimes referenced as the ‘elephant mask.’ It has small beaded tusks on each side and is decorated with cowrie shells and beads. The predominant white color of the cowrie shells serves as a sign of mourning.  The eyes consist of cowrie shells, while the ears, nose, and mouth are carved from wood and the eyebrows and facial designs are made from beads. It is decorated with a huge raffia ruff at the bottom, where it sits on the shoulders. The mukyeem headdress does not appear in the immediate vicinity of the king, but rather is seen among the Ngongo, Kete and some other constituent peoples of the Kuba kingdom.  Mukyeem headdresses are danced at funerals of titled nobility. Because the mukyeem masquerader has no vision, attendants assist him to remain within the dance area.