Pwoom Itok Kuba mask

Kuba royal art

In African Kuba art, the traditional mask used as part of initiation rituals representing nature spirits, the mingesh. These spirits serve as intermediaries between men and the supreme deity Nyeem. It is these spirits that make the soil fertile, the hunting fruitful and heal the sick. The pwoom itok masks have an avant-garde cubist appearance with projected lines: eyes, mouth, growths.
Here, the classic tubular eyes are reminiscent of those of the chameleon. A polychrome patina contrasts the whole using geometric patterns.

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Data sheet

Presumed dating
Circa 1960
Size
32 x 17 cm
Ethnic group
Kuba / Bakuba
Material(s)
Wood
Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Origin
Tribal art collection Belgium
Condition
Very good

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