Headgear, including hats, hairpins, and headdresses, was one of the main insignia given to male Kuba titleholders to distinguish their rank. Artists used hats and headdresses to express a work's position in the hierarchy of masks.
The elaborate headgear of this mask is that of a high-ranking male warrior. The white cowries symbolize prestige and wealth, while the feathers represent high titles.
These masks were worn by masqueraders during initiations and burials to indicate knowledge of the ancients.
The wood of this mask is dated 1945 +/- 6 by the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Milan, a tool that, with stylistic expertise, can determine its authenticity and great value.