TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities "Altering The Way You View The World Of Art" |
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- Kuba M'Bwoom Royal Mask
One of the oldest and most significant masks of the
BaKuba, this mask represents the brother of Woot, the "first
ancestor," rahter like Adam. The brothers vied for the
affection of their sister, who later married Woot.
This example has all the elements associated in the
creation of the traditional headdress: a bulbous forehead
an underslung jaw and copper ornaments on the forehead,
handwoven raffia headdress and beard are embroidered
with cowries, and beads on the nose, forehead, lips and
back of the headdress. This mask is one of the most
imaginative and colorful in all Africa.
The masqueraders appear on numerous ceremonial
occasions, embodying different characters depending on
the context. At boys' initiations, Bwoom represent the
nature spirit Ngeesh. As part of the royal mask trio, he
personifies an opposition, recalcitrant character who
struggles with this brother for power and for possession of
his wife and sister, Ngaady a Msaash. In his role as an
insurgent who challenges the throne and its system, Bwoom
is moreover associated with no-aristocratic, common man.
The rebellious aspect of the Bwoom masquerader is
express in a proud and aggressive style of dancing.
- BaKuba Society
- Zaire
Material:
- Wood
Copper sheeting
old class trade beads
cowry shcell,
handwoven raffia
animal fur
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