Mask "pwoom itok"
D. R. Congo, Kuba
sold
EUR 1,200
Provenance
Boris Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg, Germany (1966)Sepp Arnemann, Hamburg, Germany
Size
H: 24,5 cm
H: 9.6 inch
Description
wood, polychrome paint, conical protruding eyes, enclosed by drilled holes, pupils inset with metal tags, pierced around the rim, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
this mask appears during the young men’s initiation and also performs as a dance mask. It incarnates an old wise man who is consulted by the other dancers. Among the Bushong it is worn by members of the “babende” secret society, which is responsible for the apprehension of criminals.