Bwoom or Bongo Helmet Mask

Artist Artist Unknown

Date20th century

MediumWood, fiber, and tukula powder

Dimensions13 x 12 x 17 3/4 in. (33 x 30.5 x 45.1 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of Lee and Dona Bronson

Object numberG.76.19.5

On View

Not on view

Label TextThe Kuba people use a group of three masks to act out the mythic story of royal power and political conflict. One mask represents Woot, the first man and founding king of the Kuba nation. Another portrays his beautiful sister-wife. A third mask, of which this is an example, represents a disruptive figure that defies the king's authority and engages in a mock fight with him for the affections of his sister-wife. It may refer to the Pygmy people who, as earlier inhabitants of the region, resented the authority of Kuba rulers. Object Rights Statement

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