Beautiful Semi-Antique Tribal Kuba Kingdom M'Bwoom Helmet Mask DRC Congo, Zaire

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DESCRIPTION:  Beautiful Traditional Example from the Kuba Kingdom of the now Democratic Republic Congo, Zaire (DRC), then the Congo.  One in a Set of Royal Masks that are part of a Play, and reportedly can only be worn by a person of Royal Heritage.  This mask called "M'Bwoom" and may depict a "little person" or dwarf.  Style of mask is called a "helmet mask" as it fits down over or nearly over the head.  All the beads used on this mask are considered Trade Beads, and also Money cowrie shells from the Indian Ocean.<br>This area uses the early Antique Bohemian cast glass tile Trade Beads, and also Antique Venetian seed Trade Beads to embellish masks and other tribal items.  Both these types of beads are on this mask:  Antique dark clear green and opaque white seed beads on the mask front, and black, as well as red tubular tile beads, and green tile and clear cobalt blue "Russian Trade" beads (Bohemian) and green and blue tile beads outlining the ears and other areas.  There is a beautiful knot design of red and black tile Trade Beads in the back.  Beautiful clear blue Antique Venetian seed beads and small white tile beads on forehead flap.  The fabrics are hand woven Raffia palm fiber called "Kuba Cloth" which the Kuba Peoples weave and use in many applications.  There are unknown Feathers, seeds or nut shells along mask base both sides (photo #8), Guinea Hen feathers top back left area ( photos #2, # 11), plus a fringe of Monkey Hair on the top edges (photos #1, #9).  Abundant Money Cowrie shells, a show of wealth, traded in from the Indian Ocean.<br>The Kuba Kingdom has a rich heritage of absolutely beautiful and uniquely recognizable Masks, carvings, and weavings.  The Kingdom, in Zaire, is also an area rich in Copper Mines and copper-related minerals such as malachite, and these are seen as sheet copper on masks, and carved pieces such as malachite beads.  The pronounced forehead is sheathed in copper, as well as cheek, nose and mouth area.<br>This is a Gorgeous Mask, and a Beautiful example. I don't think I've seen a better one.  This will be a great asset to your "genuine" Traditional Mask collection. Offered from my Private Collection. This is quite wonderful.<br>SIZE:  ~12" from chin to top of head.  The flap hanging off the chin is ~7" long and not included in measurement.  Mask ~8.5" wide.  ~13" back of head to tip of nose.  Back to Chin jutting out = ~11".  Weight = 3 Lbs, 6.6 Oz.<br>CONDITION:  This is an Older Mask and has some wear and tear but is in generally very nice condition.  The nose area tip is scuffed up.  Some of the sewn panels may have loosened here and there but are intact.  There are scuffs to the wood, and there may be some missing beads but most are intact and are Antique Bohemian and Venetian glass  beads.  Please use photos to help determine appearance and condition and zoom in as needed.<br>We will pack very well.  We pay for insurance and also reimburse for any shipping overages you may pay upfront.<br>I have been buying Antique Trade Beads for almost 50 years, and had a Wholesale and Retail Bead Store, Folk Art, and Tribal Art Store in Greensboro, NC for some 25 years (Lost and Found Gallery), and am now semi-retired.  We are just beginning to sell on eBay.  Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about the items.<br>Sorry but we can only ship to the Continental USA at this time, but hope to expand in the near future.<br>PAYMENT: We accept PayPal, but hope to expand your options in the near future<br>SHIPPING: We Pack very well, insure, and ship USPS Priority*<br>*We will Pack very Carefully and insure- Because of the size of the BOX we may not be able to ship Priority- however will try to do so if that is your first choice!<br>*Please NOTE: for HEAVY (1 Lb. and over) and LARGE Packages You Can PICK USPS RETAIL GROUND to SAVE MONEY BUT it Takes Much LONGER to Arrive!!  Toggle Choice.