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Catalog Data

Maker:
Kuba artist  Search this
Biombo artist  Search this
Medium:
Raffia, plant fiber, bird beak, pigment, feathers
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 68.7 x 56.4 x 57cm (27 1/16 x 22 3/16 x 22 7/16in.)
Type:
Mask
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Mid 20th century
Label Text:
The munyiga mask is worn at initiations among Kuba related peoples. Made of knotted fiber, the form varies from group to group but it is always accented with red and white pigment and the distinctive beak of the hornbill bird.
Description:
Knotted fiber hood mask with attached tubular eyes and hornbill casque for nose. A tall cylindrical form which holds feathers projects from the top.
Provenance:
Eliot Picket, New York, -- to 1970
Exhibition History:
Playful Performers, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., April 9-December 12, 2004
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
Topic:
Initiation  Search this
hornbill  Search this
Male use  Search this
male  Search this
Credit Line:
Gift of Elliot Picket
Object number:
70-9-5
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source:
National Museum of African Art
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys78e9d4cc9-1bb1-49e2-940a-36a418606313
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmafa_70-9-5