KUBA, Kasai region, Democratic Republic of Congo. Raffia fibres, plant fibres, cowries, small glass beads, wood, metal, Mukenga" palm mask with a large trunk, a reference to the elephant, the supreme symbol of wealth, wisdom and royal power among the Kuba. It is also a reminder of the importance of the elephant in the economy of the ancient Kuba kingdom, which was based on the ivory trade. The mukenga mask is worn with a richly layered costume of raffia and beaded ornaments at the funerals of title-holders in the northern part of the Kuba kingdom. Height 57 cm. Literature: Sura Dji-Visages et racines du Zaïre. Musée des Arts Décoratifs Paris.