Vintage African Kuba Bwoom Helmet Mask with Cowrie Shells

Description

Dramatic African art wood carving from the Kuba Tribe in Congo.  The entire face is with incised hatching patterns, patina darken copper sheets, white & black glass beads, and cowrie shells woven into raffia & beard.  The dancer wears this helmet and looks through the nostrils (there are no other eye holes).
In the folklore story, "M-boom" or Bwoom struggles for the throne of his brother, "Mwaash A Mboy" and also pursues the king's wife, "Ngaady A Mboy".  His spirit
is of a hydrocephalic prince, a commoner, a pygmy, or one who opposes the king's authority.  Check the internet on M-boom and his insanity, his legends, his history.  Fascinating to say the least.
Head helmet mask made of wood measures 10" tall excluding the beard....9" wide from side to side ... 13" from the back to the front where his beard starts.  His leather beard with cowrie shells measures 7" long.
The helmet mask is decorated with cowrie shells, beads, animal fur, copper metal.  Considering age and storage still in very good condition with no cracks, no breaks, no missing shells or beads.
This item was acquired at a storage unit here in Kansas by the previous owner with his collection of African artifacts.