Fascinating African Kuba Bwoom tribal mask, the oldest known mask.
The materials used to make the mask are: wood, plant colors and vibrations, rubber, beads, animal hair. In dance it expresses exuberance and joy. The style is similar to that of the average Kasai.
This mask is a helmet with animal hair, carved with a very broad forehead and hollowed cheeks that are announced by patterns or dashes and beads. The mouth of the mask is very pronounced, carved into the wood and then applied to the mask.
Black and white beads are used to distinguish the forehead in different areas, drawing attention to other aspects of the face such as the nose and chin. The entire edge of the chin is surrounded by beads of various colors.
The person wearing the mask cannot look because there are no eye holes; the mask should create the sensation of being blind.
Some masks similar to the bwoom mask are the funny mask, the ram mask and initiation masks such as the Nnup.
True Kuba masks are the most important and sacred ones, where images of nature spirits “mingesh” who act as intermediaries between the Supreme Being “Nyeem” and mortals are depicted. Kings and priests become mingesh after death. The bwoom occupies the second place in the hierarchy.
The mask is suitable for avid collectors.
Dimensions:
Height: 30 cm (11.82 in.)
Width: 24 cm (9.45 in.)
Depth: 40 cm (15.75 in.)
Condition:
The mask is in good and original condition, with no rips or wear. Being a VINTAGE garment it is possible that it may have some flaws.
