Mask "pwoom itok" · D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3051619
Elmar Wellenhöfer, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
Description
wood, pigments, metal,
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.
What the “pwoom itok” mask represents remains a matter of some speculation, but it may have originally meant to depict a wise elder. The mask is used at the adult initiation rituals of boys.
Emil Torday and Thomas Joyce write, that this mask type named by them as “shene malula” is among the Bushoong worn by members of the “babende” society. This society was responsible for the apprehension of criminals.
The object Mask “pwoom itok” with the object ID 3051619 was part of the auction Collectors’ Items Sale on September 24, 2025, lot number 256 at that time and is currently available for EUR 500 in Open sale.
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Comparing literature
Herreman, Frank & Constantijn Petridis (ed.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 138 f.