[Untitled]
Item
Accession Number
2023.1.
Subject
Mask|Ceremonial|Central Africa
Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
Early 20th Century
Medium
wood, sheet copper, beads, shells, and hide
Format
H x W x D: 25 in x 19 3/4 in x 12 1/2 in (63.5 cm x 50.165 x 31.75 cm)
Description
Wooden and metal Bwoom Mask with a bulging forehead and blindfolded eyes. The mask is fitted with large nostrils for the masker to see through at a diagonal angle. A long false beard is attached to the mask, decorated in cowrie shells and beads. The Bwoom mask is worn in rituals detailing the origin myths of the Kuba Kingdom. In these rituals the Bwoom mask is accompanied by masks of the creator of the dynasty, Woot, and his spouse. Bwoom may represent either the younger brother of Woot, or a commoner within the society.
Type
Face Mask
Conforms To
Kuba