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Mask (Bwoom)
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Among the Bushoong, the central Kuba group, the mask known as <em>bwoom</em>—most typically identified as the head of a hunter-gatherer—forms a triad with a female mask and another male mask. All three are protagonists in the reenactment of the foundation of the Kuba kingdom. Outside the capital, however, bwoom appears in different non-royal contexts, such as the men’s initiation society.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Kuba-style carver |
|---|---|
| Date | mid- to late 1800s |
| Culture / Origin | Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kuba-style carver |
| Medium | Wood and paint |
| Dimensions | Overall: 43.3 x 31.2 x 28.3 cm (17 1/16 x 12 5/16 x 11 1/8 in.) |
| Department | African Art |
| Type | Mask |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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