Royal mask Bwoom

A mask considered royal because it represents the king’s brother, who apparently went mad with remorse after killing his nephew. It is one of the three royal masks of the Kuba. It is richly decorated with cowrie shells, beads, an abundant raffia beard and artistic polychrome decoration based on geometric patterns. This mask has gradually lost accessories over time. It retains beautiful painted decoration consisting of superimposed lines and black-and-white lozenges. Large, concentric eye sockets sit beneath an open forehead. Traces of one of the geometric patterns found on the so-called Kassai velvets remain at the back of the head. Some say it is a Pygmy mask, as it would have been worn by the ancient Tswa Pygmies. A helmet mask with anthropomorphic features.