Kuba Ngaady aMwaash Wood Mask Congo MATTER COLLECTION

The 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 markings represent 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. 

According 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.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.

Height (in): 11.0
Width (in): 6.0
Depth (in): 2.0

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