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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, photography credit Joel Benjamin
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, photography credit Joel Benjamin
Ngaady a Mwaash Mask
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, photography credit Joel Benjamin
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Ngaady a Mwaash Mask

Artifact IDMO 63.4416.4
Object Type Mask
Date 20th century
Date Presented8/2/62
Gifter
Place MadeKasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa
Medium Wood, pigment, raffia cloth, cowrie shell, glass beads
DimensionsOverall H 15 1/2 in x W 8 1/2 in x D 6 in (39.4 cm x 21.6 cm x 15.2 cm)
Physical DescriptionHelmet mask made of wood and raffia cloth with a painted face decorated with cowrie shells and glass beads in geometrical patterns.
Historical NoteThis mask was presented to the U.S. State Department by the Deputy to the National Assembly of the Republic of the Congo, Fwamba Mukengele on August 2, 1962. It is covered with geometric designs typical of Kuba art and portrays Ngaady A Mwaash, the wife of the first Kuba king.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis mask was presented to the State Department by the Deputy to the National Assembly of the Republic of the Congo, Fwamba Mukengele on August 2, 1962.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view