Kuba Bushoong Bwoom mask, DRC ex Zaire - Lot 109

Kuba Bushoong Bwoom mask, DRC ex Zaire Ngongo version of the voluminous and heavy royal Bwoom mask, supposedly blind, representing the pygmy, the man of the people nicknamed Twa. These masks were most often borrowed from Kuba groups. According to Joseph Cornet, this mask was introduced during the reign of a Kuba king, the Nyim, who went mad after having his predecessor's offspring murdered. Dark satin patina, erosion and cracks. Discreet polychrome highlights. 36 x 23 cm Sold without base The Kuba kingdom was founded in the 16th century by the Bushoong, who are still ruled by a king. More than twenty types of tribal mask are used by the Kuba, or "people of lightning", with meanings and functions that vary from group to group. Ritual ceremonies were occasions to display decorative arts and masks, to honor the spirit of the deceased or to honor the king. Three types of mask linked to Kuba mythological history have been associated with dances held within the royal precincts, on the occasion of funerals, enthronements or circumcisions: the first, called Moshambwooy , represents Woot , the founder of the Bushoong sub-tribe, the hero of the culture. The second, known as Nady Amwaash (Ngaady Un Mwash), embodies Woot's wife/sister, a character said to have been introduced to give greater prominence to the role of women. The third mask is Bwoom.