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A Kuba Pwoom Itok mask from the Ngeende & Bushoong tribe

price: not available anymore. Kuba Pwoom Itok request

Size: 28cm high for the wood and white pigments, +/- 40 cm with the feathers, raffia and cowries headdress. 

West Kasai. 

Provenance: Dr. Peter Westerdijk collection, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

The Kuba people are living in central Zaire (RDC) between the Kasai and Sankuru rivers. It is a kingdom made of several clans with many tribes like, Ngeende, Bushoong, Kete, Lele, Binjii, Dengeze, Wongo and Mbuun. The main clan is the Bushoong and the clans pay a tribute to the Nyim chief. This chief is responsible for wealth and fecondity and lives  in his palace called Mushenge. The Kuba masks are used in ceremonies telling the stories of the Kingdom, to celebrate events, educate young men, and pronouncing judgments.

We find this type of masks among the Kuba Bushoong & Ngeende tribes. According to Joseph Cornet this type of mask was originally created by the Ngeende. It was used in the young man transitions rituals  and as a dans mask. The protruding bulking eyes of the Kuba Pwoom Itok mask is symbolising an old man that is consulted by the other dancers. Emil Torday and Thomas Joyce also give the name " Shene Malula"  to this mask. Among the Bushoong tribe this mask was used by the Babende secret society, and used to judge criminals.

If a women dares to touch a Kuba Pwoom Itok mask, the owner has the right to kill the first goat he encounters and to eat it with the other dancers, and the wife must pay the owner for the damage.

Bibliography: 

the tribal arts of Africa by J-B. Bacquart page 172. 173.

Faces of Spirits - Masks from Zaire Bassin, byFrank Herreman , Constantijn Petridis, ...

Het Gelaat van de Geesten - Maskers uit het Zairebekken Snoek Ducaju & Zoon 1993 isbn 90-5349-0671

Kuba Pwoom Itok mask not available anymore.

This type of mask was created and inspired to become a mix between human and chameleons. This one has a good artistic value due to the fine white paintings and complete headdress with raffia, feathers, and brown aged cowries. (click thumbs to enlarge)

Price: not available anymore. Kuba Pwoom Itok request of availability

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David Norden is a private African art dealer since 1992 who specializes in important works of art from African and ancient cultures.
The artifacts, which are offered to discerning collectors, dealers and to public institutions, are selected for their rarity, provenance and distinctive aesthetic quality at competitive prices.

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What to do Next ? If you buy you will receive the above documentation with the Kuba Pwoom Itok and free delivery wordwide

If you are you interested in adding a Kuba Pwoom Itok to your collection or have any question please send me an email and I'll get in touch with you, or call +32 3 227.35.40. Price include free expedition worldwide and 15 days guarantee and six month exchange guarantee, no questions asked. Read our complete Sale Conditions

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