Helmet mask "bwoom"
D. R. Congo, Kuba
sold
EUR 4,000
Provenance
Niono, Paris, France (1965)Hans Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Eduard Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Size
H: 35 cm
H: 13.8 inch
Description
wood, matt patina, polychrome paint, painted with geometrical pattern, typical coiffure, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
as one of the three royal masks, “bwoom” belongs to the oldest mask types of the Kuba. Apart from funerals “bwoom” appears at several ceremonies, always changing his meaning according to the context he is used: during the initiation of the boys he represents the spirit “ngeesh”. Within the three royal masks he represents “bwoom”, an oppositional and unruly character fighting against his brother for his wife and sister “ngaady a mwaash” and for the leadership. The insurgent aspect of the “bwoom” mask figure is expressed by the aggressive dance style.