1Identify

Preliminary identification

Kuba Style Beaded Circular Mask

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

A striking 15-inch circular mask featuring intricate glass beadwork, shell inlays, and geometric carvings.

Story

Deep in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kuba Kingdom developed one of the most sophisticated artistic traditions in African history, where every surface—from a king's throne to a simple cup—was a canvas for geometric design.

Maker / Origin

The Kuba people are often called the 'people of the cloth' due to their world-famous raffia textiles, but their woodcarvers and bead-workers are equally legendary.

Condition & Value

The mask shows some age-related cracking in the dark surface paste, which is common for these materials as they dry over time. This is a high-quality decorative piece consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century exports.

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