{"product_id":"kuba-ngaady-amwaash-mask-plaque-congo-157027","title":"Kuba Ngaady aMwaash Mask Plaque Congo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eA beautiful face mask on a beaded background, usually hung in a healer's house. Ornate patterns of glass beads adorn the face and plaque. The geometric design is typical of Kuba masks. A wonderful piece.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ngaady aMwaash mask, one of the three royal masks, is an integral piece of African culture, with a beautiful geometric design typical of Kuba masks in the present-day Democratic Republic of Congo. The mouth of the mask is covered with beadwork, symbolizing the calm and composed nature of women. The red color of the mask represents the pain and bloodshed of childbirth and menses, while the tears are represented by the striated lines extending from the eyes down to the cheeks. The black triangles signify the king's home hearth and domesticity, while the white represents women's mourning, and the blue color represents Ngaady aMwaash's royal status. The mask's formal characteristics embody the Kuba's noble demeanor and aesthetic taste, making it a powerful representation of both status and beauty.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAccording to the myth, Ngaady aMwaash has two brothers who perform a mock battle to win her affection. The Mwash aMbooy mask represents the Kuba king, while the Bwoom mask represents her half-brother\/foreigner. The African Collection in the museum has masks of all three, which offer a poignant manifestation of the importance of women and gender balance in Kuba political systems and daily life. The masks are a testament to the Kuba people's rich cultural heritage and their appreciation for the role of women in society.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis colorful trio of characters comprises the recognized pantheon of royal helmet masks, which are eagerly sought after by collectors and museums.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight (in): 12.25\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth (in): 9.0\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDepth (in): 5.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e157027\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sku 157000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52006555058471,"sku":"157027","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/1015\/9911\/files\/IMG_0033_34e81e3c-2285-4421-943c-ed629e9e1a7c.jpg?v=1788554826","url":"https:\/\/africadirect.com\/products\/kuba-ngaady-amwaash-mask-plaque-congo-157027","provider":"Africa Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}