A Kuba-Bushoong Mask, "ishendemala" Lot n° 44

Mask, "ishendemala Cuba-Bushoong, DR Congo Mit Sockel / with base Wood, textile. H 31 cm. Provenance: - Lawson Mooney (1922-1998), Boston. - Gallery Walu, Zurich (1985). This richly decorated and therefore particularly valuable specimen is a mask called "ishendemala" (also "pwoom itok"), which is one of the oldest mask figures in Cuba. It represented the rebellious common man who questions the royal power and order. This rebellious aspect was underlined by a proud and aggressive dance style. Today's Kingdom of Cuba is a confederation of some twenty ethnic groups with common Bantu ancestry, dominated by the Bushong ruling class. The name Kuba comes from the Bantu language, where it means "throwing knife." Numbering about 250,000 people, the Kuba tribal complex includes the Bushoong, Kete, Tetela, Ngeende, Lele, Binji and Shoowa, among others. All of these ethnic groups have a special fondness for geometric shapes and therefore like to decorate many objects, both from daily use and from rituals, all over with the finest patterns. Thus, this mask, which was used in various ceremonial festivities, is also provided with an attractive geometric decoration. Further reading: Cornet, Joseph (1982). Art Royal Cuba. Milano: Edizioni Sipiel. CHF 1 500 / 3 000