Helmet Mask, bwoom

Kuba, Dem. Rep. of Congo
19th-early 20th c.

Provenance: J.J. Klejman Gallery, NYC. Unter Family collection, NYC acquired from above in the 1970’s

‘Bwoom’ masks among the Kuba are the most popular of the three ‘royal’ masks and are often performed alone. This imposing wooden helmet mask represents the head of a male dignitary.

The present example features a round hole on the top of the head as an air hole for the masked dancer. The hairstyle is broad and displays the typical ‘privy council corners.’ The eyes are almond-shaped, and the nose is large and broad with two large openings beneath it for the wearer to see through. The mouth, carved in deep relief, is large and very expressive. Carved from hardwood, its surface is layered and encrusted with dark pigments, with white outlines painted along the edge of the coiffure, around the eyes, nose, and mouth. The inside of the mask has an encrusted patina and shows evidence of a ‘sweat’ patina from repeated use.  At the back of the mask’s metal base, an old Klejman Gallery label states, “Helmet mask Mboom Bakuba.”