Helmet Mask: Bwoom
Artist: Kuba Peoples (African)
Date: 1875-1900
Dimensions:
25 in. (63.5 cm)
Medium: wood with leather, brass, fabric, cowrie shells, beads
Place of Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1970.18
Label Text:Called Bwoom, this mask once formed part of a triad of masks that was danced at initiations, funerals, and other public ceremonies to dramatize the origins of Kuba kingship and to personify the great culture heroes of the past. Bwoom is variously described as a commoner, a prince, or as a rival who competes with the king (another of the three masks) for the love of a woman (the third mask). This mask’s forehead and mouth are covered with leaves of metal, and metal strips delineate the cheekbones. Beads and cowry shells accentuate the mask’s bold volumes.
Not on view
In Collection(s)