**Originally Listed At $300**

Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kasai region, Kuba culture, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A striking hand-carved wooden Bwoom mask, helmet-like in form to fit over the head. The domed face has a pursed mouth, inset sockets and protruding coffee bean-shape eyes with slits, and three perforations below the lids for the wearer to see through. A raised ridge on the back of the head acts as part of the headdress; half encircles a large opening for ornamentation, and the small drilled perforations on the neck are for attaching raffia tassels. The exterior surface is painted black with yellow lines around the lips, cheeks, circular ears, and back of the head to represent tattoos or ritual scarring and contrast nicely with the darker areas. The Bwoom mask traditionally has been used during ceremonies and funerals of the Kuba people, worn while dancing. It represents the nature spirit, Ngeesh, and was a symbol of the common man. Size: 11.5" W x 8.5" H (29.2 cm x 21.6 cm)

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#157395

Surface wear, chips, and abrasions as commensurate with use and age. Great details and painted patterns.