Bwoom mask, Bakuba (#551)

Description

Ethnic Group and Region: Bakuba, DRC (also called Kuba)
Formerly Displayed:
·
Kennedy Museum of Art at Ohio University (February through April 2007)
·
Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine art at Auburn University (February through May 2008).
·
5
th
Avenue Mask Museum, Hendersonville NC (# 551)
Tag on mask: Bakuba, Zaire
Measurements are approximate.
Mask height:
9 inches
Mask width:
9 inches
Mask depth:
12 inches
Material: Wood, hand carved
Acquired year: 1988
Acquired from: Travis Cotton
Information and the only claim with respect to authenticity about this mask are taken from notes and sketches by Ellen Hobbs
and from the museum catalogue
Behind the Mask
.
Ms. Hobbs’ sketch is shown with the photos of the mask. No other representations of authenticity are made.
“Bwoom is a carved wooden helmet mask. . . . Some traditions say that it manifests a hydrocephalic prince or spirit. . . . The mask is decorated with imported beads and cowrie shells. . . . Covering the eyes with beads may symbolize the secrecy involved in initiation and accompanying ceremonies” (67).
Quoted from t
he museum catalog
Behind the Mask
(see photos) [copyrighted 2008 by Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art Auburn University (
www.jcsm.auburn.edu
); the pages shown here have been reproduced with the Museum’s permission].