Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kasai Province, Kuba peoples, Bushoong subgroup, ca. mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden face mask known as a pwoon itok that is used for ceremonial dances. The convex mask features a pair of characteristic conical eyes that protrude from the sockets as well as a prominent nose, a mouth composed of concentric triangles, and a bulging forehead. Dozens of petite white spots create a speckled appearance across the face and nicely complement the red, orange, white, and yellow triangular motif adorning the forehead. Attached to the top is a bulbous textile coiffure that protrudes in the middle. Pwoon itok masks like this example were believed to represent an older male figure or spirit during the initiation rites of village boys. Size: 10.5" W x 14" H (26.7 cm x 35.6 cm)

Cf. The Brooklyn Museum, accession number 22.230

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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#161296

  • Condition: Light abrasions to both sides of mask, with minor fraying to textile coiffure, and fading to pigment in some painted areas, otherwise intact and very good. Nice remains of pigment across face.

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January 7, 2021 8:00 AM MST
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