In existence since the 17th century, the Kingdom of the Kuba (or Bakuba) is a federation of approximately 18 tribes in the south west of central Congo. The Kuba have a great mask tradition. In it, the founding myth of the Kuba Kingdom is theatrically presented via three mask figures. These 3 ‘royal’ masks of the Kuba are: ‘Mwaash amboy’, the founder, his brother ‘Bwoom’ and ‘Ngady amwaash’, the pretty sister and wife of the ‘Mwaash amboy’. Another albeit not ‘royal’ yet very important mask-figure of the Kuba is ‘Pwoom itok’. This ‘Pwoom itok’ represents a wise, old man whom all other masks usually ask for counsel. The present, old 'Pwoom itok-mask’ is carved in lightweight, light-coloured wood and bears the characteristic features of these masks: big, round and sunken 'chameleon-eyes', with cone-shaped protruding pupils. These are each outlined with 6 holes, for the masked dancer to look through. Next: a pointed, protruding forehead, a defined, large nose, and a ‘laughing’ mouth carved out in relief. ‘Pwoom itok’ has the typical Kuba hairstyle - with a deep receding hairline and an equally typical for the style of Kuba facepaint made up of stretches, stripes and triangular patterns. Overall a lovely old object object, with slightly scuffed colour, chipped edges and points on account of age, as well as with a minor tear in the upper edge at the back. For that reason, too, with a with an old partially shiny usage patina on the front and especially on the back (on the inside). Height: 24 cm; first half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Belgian Private Collection R. C.; Austrian Private Collection.

Lit.:
'African Art in American Collections' by Robbins & Nooter, ill. 1074, 1075.