Mask "pwoom itok" ·  D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3038133

Description

wood, slightly encrusted patina, polychrome paint, conical protruding eyes, enclosed by drilled holes, raffia and cloth bonnet with beads backside, rep. (tears), slight traces of abrasion;
this mask here 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 Bushoong it is worn by members of the “babende” secret society, which is responsible for the apprehension of criminals.

Comparing literature

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