Kuba
Helmet Mask (Mukenga)
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Helmet Mask (Mukenga)” now? Collection: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the sculpture
The mukenga mask is worn along with a richly layered costume of raffia and beaded ornaments at funerals of titleholders in the northern part of the Kuba Kingdom. Its form and materials comprise elements associated with status and leadership, including cowrie shells, leopard fur, monkey hair, glass beads, and red tail feathers of the African gray parrot. A prominent trunk and two tusks refer to the elephant, the supreme symbol of wealth and leadership among the Kuba.
Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0
Details
- Accession number
- 1982.1504
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — © the artist or rights holder
