Mask "pwoom itok" ·  D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3033809

Description

wood, polychrome paint, conical protruding eyes, enclosed by drilled holes, min. dam., minor missing parts, traces of abrasion, on base;
this mask is known as “pwoom itok”, “ishendemala”, “ishyeenmaal” or “shene malula”. It can be found among various Kuba groups, including the Bushoong and the Ngeende. It 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.

Comparing literature

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