Helmet mask "bwoom" ·  D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3037783

Description

wood, polychrome paint, painted with geometrical pattern, typical coiffure, dam., missing part (top of the head), cracks, slight traces of insect caused damage and abrasion, base;
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.

Comparing literature

Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, p. 83