Kuba dignitary headdress, DRC ex Zaire - Lot 143

Kuba dignitary headdress, DRC ex Zaire Headdress made of raffia textile trimming a rigid circular frame. It is decorated with cowries and embroidered with pearls, the prerogative of the court, symbolizing wealth and fertility. 14 x 22 cm Sold without base The Kuba and the tribes settled between the Sankuru and Kasai rivers, including the Bushoong and Dengese who also originate from the Mongo group, are renowned for the refinement of prestige objects created for members of the higher ranks of their society. Several Kuba groups produced anthropomorphic ceremonial objects with refined motifs, including cups, drinking horns and beakers. The Kuba, whose name means "lightning bolt", also produced African tools and weapons, including throwing knives, which later became trading commodities, and heavy war swords, Ilwoon . The Kuba kingdom was founded in the 16th century by the Bushoong, who are still ruled by a king. They are the most prolific group in Western Kasai. Ritual ceremonies provided an opportunity to display decorative arts and masks, to honor the spirit of the deceased or the king.