Madrid
Completed

"La corte Kuba": An Exhibition on the Grandeur of the Kuba Kingdom's Royal Court

Explore the historical significance and cultural richness of this Central African kingdom through its captivating royal artifacts.

The "La corte Kuba" exhibition invites you to delve into the fascinating history of the Kuba kingdom, a powerful Central African civilization from the Kasai region. This display reconstructs the opulent royal court, showcasing its political and visual culture. Through selected artifacts, the exhibition challenges oversimplified narratives of African history, revealing a complex and diverse past.

About La corte Kuba at National Museum of Anthropology in Madrid

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for La corte Kuba at National Museum of Anthropology in Madrid

Exhibition summary

This exhibition reconstructs the opulent court of the Kuba kingdom, highlighting its power and historical significance. It aims to counter Western oversimplifications of Africa by showcasing the diversity and complex history of regions like the Kasai, dating back to the early 17th century.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'La corte Kuba' delves into the history of the Kuba kingdom, located in the Kasai region of the present-day Democratic Republic of Congo. Dating back to the early 17th century, this exhibition seeks to 'recreate' the lavish court of the _nyim_, the supreme Kuba authority, and illustrate the staging of their power. It serves as an example within the broader 'Antropología (in)visible' series, which aims to counteract the oversimplified geographical and historical narratives often imposed on Africa by the West. The exhibition challenges the notion of a false continental uniformity and acknowledges Africa's long and complex history, which is often underestimated. Visitors can expect to see selected pieces that bring to life the visual culture and political significance of the Kuba court. This display, situated in a showcase within the welcome area, offers a glimpse into a specific historical African kingdom. It is presented as part of the temporary exhibitions and requires a joint ticket with the permanent exhibition. The collection features significant artifacts such as the Bwoom and Ngaady aMwaash masks, headdresses, and boxes, all originating from the Kuba culture and dating from the 20th century, providing tangible evidence of this rich civilization.

Admission and ticket notes

Entry to this exhibition is included with the joint ticket for the permanent exhibition. Visitors are directed to purchase a combined ticket for access to both the permanent collection and this temporary display.

La corte Kuba key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for La corte Kuba at National Museum of Anthropology in Madrid

Venue
National Museum of Anthropology
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
May 23, 2023 – Sep 17, 2023
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition features selected pieces from the Kuba culture, including masks (Bwoom, Ngaady aMwaash, Mukenga), headdresses, and boxes, primarily from the 20th century. These artifacts represent the culture and artistry of the Kuba kingdom, located in the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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