Question

Ngady A Mwash Mask, Kuba Culture, DRC, before 1917 the mask depicts the sister of the founding hero, Woot. This female mask is only worn by men. The Triangles represent the kings house. This mask was used to bring attention to womens cultural and political contributions. The Lines going down the sides of the mask symbolize tears, while the closed eyes and mask represent the silence of women. What is the significance of the Ngady A Mwash Mask in Kuba Culture?

1) It represents the sister of the founding hero, Woot
2) It is a female mask worn only by men
3) The triangles represent the kings house
4) It symbolizes the tears and silence of women

Answer 1

The Ngady A Mwash Mask in Kuba Culture represents the sister of the founding hero Woot, is a female mask only worn by men, signifies the king's house with its triangle patterns, and symbolizes the silenced contributions of women through the tears and closed eyes. All the given options are correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Ngady A Mwash Mask holds significant cultural value in Kuba culture. It is symbolic of multiple aspects of their society. Firstly, its representation of Woot's sister underscores its linkage to myth and founding narratives. Secondly, the fact that it is a female mask worn only by men speaks to the gender roles and the performance of identity in Kuba traditions. The triangles on the mask symbolize the king's house, which connects it to power structures and governance. Lastly, the symbols of tears and silence on the mask bring attention to the often-overlooked cultural and political roles of women in society, highlighting the tension between visibility and silence in their contributions.