Description

Kuba Pwoom Mask

This beautifully carved and painted mask is part of a triad of masks belonging to the men’s societies found in the central and northern Kuba regions. The primary characteristic are the protuberant, conical eyes that are surrounded by small holes. The mask has polychrome paint in geometric patterns, a triangular nose, small mouth, and raffia cloth headdress decorated with cowrie shells. The Kuba Pwoom mask was danced at funerals, boys’ initiations, for entertainment, and may have also functioned for social control.