About the Artwork
The Ngaady-a-Mwash is one of a triad of masks that are danced to symbolize mythical characters and culture heroes important to the origins of Kuba kingship. Ngaady-a-Mwash is the sister and wife of the Kuba's legendary original king. The interplay between masked dancers who portray Ngaady-a-Mwash and two of her mythical suitors teaches the people the balance of power between the king and his subjects. These masks are worn during dances for initiation rites, funeral ceremonies, and royal gatherings.
Nagaady-A-Mwaash Mask
20th century
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African
Kuba
Wood, cowry shell, glass beads
Overall: 15 × 10 × 10 inches (38.1 × 25.4 × 25.4 cm) Including base: 22 × 10 × 10 inches (55.9 × 25.4 × 25.4 cm)
Sculpture
African Art
Founders Society Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Allan Shelden III Fund, funds from the Friends of African Art and the Pierians, Inc.
1992.215
Copyright Not Evaluated
Markings
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Provenance
(Tambaran Gallery, New York, New York, USA);1992-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
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Provenance pageExhibition History
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The exhibition history of a number of objects in our collection only begins after their acquisition by the museum, and may reflect an incomplete record.
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Suggest FeedbackPublished References
Kan, Micheal. African Masterworks In The Detroit Institute of Arts. Washington, 1995, cat. no. 73.
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Credit Line for Reproduction
Kuba, African, Nagaady-A-Mwaash Mask, 20th century, wood, cowry shell, glass beads. Detroit Institute of Arts, Founders Society Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Allan Shelden III Fund, funds from the Friends of African Art and the Pierians, Inc., 1992.215.
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