A carved wooden helmet mask adorned with copper sheet, animal hide and embellished with numerous glass beads and textiles.
The Bwoom mask was worn at boys initiations where it would represent the nature spirit Ngeesh. The rebellious aspect of the Bwoom masquerader is expressed in a proud and aggressive style of dancing. According to one of the various legends surrounding the origin of the Bwoom, the bulging forehead and form of the mask imitate the heads of pygmies.
The mask measures 14 x 12 inches ( 25 inches from the top to end of textile on the chin)
Kuba peoples, Congo, Africa.
Provenance: The Sol and Josephine Levitt collection, NYC.