1971.6.McD Mask (lukwakongo)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This small bearded mask is the insignia of yananio, the last grade before reaching the pinnacle in the Lega’s governing Bwami association.
1974.Sc.49 Four-faced half figure (Sakimatwematwe)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Sakimatwematwe, or “many heads” figures, visualize a Lega saying: “Many-Heads who has seen an elephant on the other side of the river.” This saying can be interpreted to mean that high-level members of&n
2011.38 Bowl-figure (gbene)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A miniature vessel rises from the figure’s abdomen and is carved in the form of a gourd that has been cut in half. The figure, which is bearded and has minimal facial features, wears a necklace, armlets, and bracelets, and carries weapons.
1999.60 Prestige pipe bowl
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The introduction of tobacco to sub-Saharan Africa in the 17th century inspired the creation of new prestige objects and leadership rituals. In the highly stratified Bamum Kingdom, which reached its peak in the 19th century, both men and women smoked t
1969.S.193 Ceremonial adze
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This wooden adze is decorated with hammered designs on small copper alloy (brass) plates covering the butt and narrow bands wound around the shaft. The long iron blade is encrusted with strips of copper in geometric designs.
1969.S.168 Ceremonial adze with head and torso
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
On ceremonial occasions, a Pende chief carried an adze—like this one—over his shoulder. It is not an ordinary tool used to sculpt wood but an ornate version of the conventional model.
1997.88 Prestige hat (kalyeem)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Kuba kingdom, founded in the early 17th century in the central part of present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, is made up of several different ethnicities that pay tribute to a king (nyim).
2010.3 State sword (afena) and sheath
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Asante regalia includes state swords (afena), which are the second most important symbols of power and authority after stools (i.e., thrones).