Mukienge Mask

Helmet masks of this kind are known among the Kuba-Ngeende as Mukienge. Among the Ngeende, this mask is often danced with the mask Pwoom Itok representing an elder, and/or the mask Bongo, representing a commoner, often a ruffian or a fool.

The mask is also utilized in all initiation rites, funerals, and during times of investiture of new chiefs. It is the most important and respected mask among the Northern Kuba people.

Just as the Bushoong believe the Mwaash a Mbouy mask represents Woot, the primary ancestor of the Kuba people, most of the other Northern subgroups believe that this mask, with its elephant-like form, represents Woot. The elephant imagery echoes the royal power of the great founder of the Kuba kingdom.

The Mukienge is the communal property of the village that owns it, though the chief may on occasion give the mask to a dancer who excels in the dancing associated with this mask. Also, high ranking individuals or those who were related in some way to the use of this mask (perhaps as initiators) are often displayed after death, but before interment, in a mask such as this, but made specially to be buried with the dead.

This fine mask probably dates to early part of the reign of Nyimi Bope Mabinch (1939- 1969) and was never re-beaded; this the beadwork is original from the time of the creation of the mask.

Masks of this style and form were from the villages North of the Bushoong, and are found across roughly the whole northern half of the Kuba kindgdom.