Anthropomorphic mask "pwoom itok" ·  D. R. Congo, Kuba / Bushoong / Ngeende · ID: 3051725

Description

wood, pigments, feathers, old repair, base

This mask is known as “pwoom itok”, “ishendemala”, “ishyeenmaal” or “shene malula”. One encounters this type of mask among various Kuba groups, including the Bushoong and Ngeende.

What the “pwoom itok” mask represents remains a matter of some speculation, but it may have originally meant to depict a wise elder. The mask is used at the adult initiation rituals of boys.

The object Anthropomorphic mask “pwoom itok” with the object ID 3051725 was part of the auction Auction 104 on April 12, 2025, lot number 251 at that time and is currently available for EUR 1,000 in Open sale.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.

Comparing literature

Herreman, Frank & Constantijn Petridis (ed.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 138