Residing in the Democratic Residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kuba people are true artisans whose craftsmanship fueled traditional rituals, performances, and storytelling. Natural materials, in this case cowrie shells, hold a long history of use in African art often associated with beauty and spirituality. The Kuba Mweel Mask was used in ceremonial and cultural practices, namely representing the Kuba Creation Myth: In the beginning there was only darkness, water, and the great god Bumba. Bumba, in pain, vomited the sun, drying up water to create land. He then vomited the moon, stars, animals, and humans. Bumba sent his sons, Woot and Bwoom, and their sister Mweel to bring culture to the Kuba. Woot, a wise ruler, introduced government, arts, and crafts. Woot led the Kuba and married Mweel. Bwoom, aggressive and jealous, battled Woot for Mweel's love and the throne.
AN OVAL FACE WITH PROMINENT, PROJECTING FEATURES. DEEPLY CARVED PATTERNS, LINEAR DESIGNS, AND OTHER GEOMETRIC ELEMENTS. ALMOND-SHAPED EYES SET LOW ON THE FACE, ALONG WITH NUMEROUS COWRIE SHELLS FASHIONED TO DRAPING FABRIC ALONG THE NECKLINE.
