Kumu
Diviner’s Mask (Nsembu)
Kumu, 1900-1932
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Kumu
Diviner’s Mask (Nsembu)
Kumu, 1900-1932
Physical Qualities
Wood, pigment, 11 5/8 × 7 11/16 × 3 3/8 in. (29.5 × 19.5 × 8.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Anonymous Gift
Object Number
1995.158
The wide, bulging eyes of these masks refer to supernatural authority and the ability of those associated with the spiritworld to see things that humans cannot. In the context of the fast-moving masquerades in which each mask was danced, these disproportionate facial features helped communicate the metaphors embedded in each work.
Ex coll: Lenny Kahan, New York
"Meditations on African Art: Color," April 18, 2007-August 19, 2007, BMA, Karen Milbourne
"Subverting Beauty: African Anti-Aesthetics", Jul 15, 2018 - Nov 17, 2019, BMA, Kevin Tervala.
"Subverting Beauty: African Anti-Aesthetics", Jul 15, 2018 - Nov 17, 2019, BMA, Kevin Tervala.
Inscribed: Orange sticker, '787'
