Residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kuba people are true artisans whose craftsmanship fueled traditional rituals, performances, and storytelling. Natural materials, in this case cowrie shells, hold a long history of use in African art often associated with beauty and spirituality. The Bwoom mask is one of the oldest masks used by the Kuba people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of three royal masks used by the Kuba, representing the constituents of the Kuba kingdom. The Bwoom character is thought of as an outsider, foreigner, or sometimes a pygmy. According to myth, Bwoom came from the north and was not a part of the Kuba kingdom. Bwoom’s specific identity varies according to different versions of the myth. He may represent the king’s younger brother, a person of Twa descent, or a commoner. Embodying a subversive force within the royal court, the Bwoom masquerade is often performed in conflict with the masked figure representing Woot.
KUBA BWOOM MASK CREATED IN THE 20TH CENTURY MADE OF WOOD, COPPER, SEED PADS, COWRIE SHELLS, GLASS BEADS AND ANIMAL FUR. CONDITION: EXCELLENT WITH WEAR AND PATINA CONSISTENT WITH AGE. PROVENANCE: FROM THE COLLECTION OF A NEW JERSEY ESTATE.
