Very beautiful African Kuba Bwoom Royal mask - Congo
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 430 - € 480
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Very beautiful African Kuba Bwoom Royal mask from the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, provenance Privécollectie, dimensions 35 cm high, 30 cm wide and 25 cm deep, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Old African Bwoom Royal mask from the Kuba, Congo.
Size: 35 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm.
This Royal Kuba mask is dated mid-20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Democratic Republic of the Congo - Kuba. Bwoom helmet mask. Natural patina hardwood, metal, fabric, beads, shells, seeds, and animal fur. Signs of use.
This richly decorated Bwoom mask is part of the triptych of royal Kuba masks. Introduced in the seventeenth century by King Miko mi-Mbul, according to tradition it represents the hydrocephalic brother of the king (the forehead is always very prominent) to whom everything was allowed and who played a role very similar to what was traditionally the court jester for us Europeans.
The untamed and rebellious character of the Mbooms was evident both in the 'overdressing' of the mask and in their proud and aggressive manner of dancing.
Fully 'clothed' in all its colorful, gaudy, and lived-in kit, this Mboom mask of the Kuba is one of the icons of African primitive art production.
There is a small missing part (see the picture).
It's made of wood covered with copper foil, adorned with finials of glass beads, seeds, shells, goatskin, and fabric. Bwoom masks represent one of three types of 'royal masks' that, among the Kuba, embody the Mingesh—mediating spirits between humans and God.
The specific identity of Bwoom varies according to different versions of the myth. He may represent the king's younger brother, a person of Twa descent, or a commoner. The Bwoom masquerade embodies a subversive force within the royal court and is performed in defiance of the mask representing Woot.
Very expressive African helmet mask from the Kuba, Congo. The mask is one of three royal Kuba masks. During the annual Kuba feast, three royal masks appear that represent the primal ancestors of the Kuba dynasty. The two brothers Woot and Bwoom fought over the throne, and their sister Mweel, who later married Woot. Wooden helmet mask, shod with sheet copper, with a very nice dark patina, decorated with kauri shells, colored glass beads, nut shells, and raphia netting.
The vast Kuba territory, covering the entire southeastern part of the DRC up to Tanganyika and Lake Mweru, is uniform in language and culture but racially diverse. Although the history of the Kuba people is marked by violence and warfare, their artistic style is characterized by a harmonious integration of organically related forms. The splendid artistic achievements of the Kuba are due to a fortunate blending of different racial and cultural elements, as well as the high standards upheld at the court. Kuba art ranks among the finest in Africa. Artists held a privileged position in the hierarchy. The Kuba artist carried a ceremonial ax on his shoulder, symbolizing prestige and dignity of his role. Some apprentices were recruited from among the deformed, who could neither hunt nor fight as warriors and were believed to have a close spiritual connection.
Seller's Story
A SUMMARY OF OUR AFRICA-GALLERY SELLING POLICIES.
Our Africa-gallery specialized in Ethiopian tribal art, collected and sell tribal used art from all over Africa and special from Ethiopia.
Our Gallery have a collection of authentic, original and traditional art from Africa. This collection including masks, statues, pottery, musical instruments, manuscripts, headrests and other antique, primitive art and various unusual items.
I hardly ever buy directly from Africa. All my items that I sell are old and (tribal) used. My objects come from European and American private collections, auction houses, fellow dealers and other collectors from around the world.
This site gives you an impression of our stock and activities. Authentic, museum quality African tribal art at wholesale prices
We strive to provide deeper public appreciation for high quality African art and to make it accessible to all collectors.
High quality masks, carvings, statues, fetishes, animal figures, ritual objects and bronzes displayed here will add beauty to any home and value to any collection.
In addition, an ever-growing demand for rapidly disappearing original African tribal art makes it a sound investment.
As long-time experienced collectors, we carefully select and authenticate every artifact. Shown here are original, high quality, hand-crafted pieces made of wood or bronze which can be yours at a fraction of gallery prices! Years of traditional use added distinction to many of them.
We guarantee the authenticity of every item and your complete satisfaction. We make every effort to research and document the history of each artifact.
In our gallery you will find a nice selection of our stock. If you find something that is not on the site, let us know. We always have a large stock of items that are not on our site.
Please let us know if you do not see items you want. We may be able to find them for you.
Stand - The stand is not included in the price,
Shipping - We ship worldwide. We try and get shipments out as quickly as possible after payment, usually shipping four times weekly.
Combined shipping - For buyers of multiple items please email us when done shopping for your combined invoice with reduced shipping fees. For urgent deliveries we can arrange courier shipments via DHL (additional charges incurred to be covered by the buyer).
Delivery – Delivery to most destinations is anywhere between 2 to 8 business days inside Europe and 16 to 21 business days to the rest of the world, after receiving our email confirmation that the item has been shipped. Parcels shipped from the Netherlands are sent using the Post NL and the parcel status is traceable online.
Refunds & Returns – We are aiming for your complete satisfaction. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase please return the item to us for a complete refund or exchange. No hassles, no questions asked. Refunds will be issued via PayPal or by Bank only. The shipping costs are not refundable.
Please Contact Us – For any questions, concerns, or clarifications before bidding on or purchasing an item. We are usually able to respond within 24 hours. To avoid spam filters please establish initial contact through the Africa-gallery messaging system.
Thank you for visiting our site!
Kind regards,
Gijs van Kuijk
Translated by Google TranslateOld African Bwoom Royal mask from the Kuba, Congo.
Size: 35 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm.
This Royal Kuba mask is dated mid-20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Democratic Republic of the Congo - Kuba. Bwoom helmet mask. Natural patina hardwood, metal, fabric, beads, shells, seeds, and animal fur. Signs of use.
This richly decorated Bwoom mask is part of the triptych of royal Kuba masks. Introduced in the seventeenth century by King Miko mi-Mbul, according to tradition it represents the hydrocephalic brother of the king (the forehead is always very prominent) to whom everything was allowed and who played a role very similar to what was traditionally the court jester for us Europeans.
The untamed and rebellious character of the Mbooms was evident both in the 'overdressing' of the mask and in their proud and aggressive manner of dancing.
Fully 'clothed' in all its colorful, gaudy, and lived-in kit, this Mboom mask of the Kuba is one of the icons of African primitive art production.
There is a small missing part (see the picture).
It's made of wood covered with copper foil, adorned with finials of glass beads, seeds, shells, goatskin, and fabric. Bwoom masks represent one of three types of 'royal masks' that, among the Kuba, embody the Mingesh—mediating spirits between humans and God.
The specific identity of Bwoom varies according to different versions of the myth. He may represent the king's younger brother, a person of Twa descent, or a commoner. The Bwoom masquerade embodies a subversive force within the royal court and is performed in defiance of the mask representing Woot.
Very expressive African helmet mask from the Kuba, Congo. The mask is one of three royal Kuba masks. During the annual Kuba feast, three royal masks appear that represent the primal ancestors of the Kuba dynasty. The two brothers Woot and Bwoom fought over the throne, and their sister Mweel, who later married Woot. Wooden helmet mask, shod with sheet copper, with a very nice dark patina, decorated with kauri shells, colored glass beads, nut shells, and raphia netting.
The vast Kuba territory, covering the entire southeastern part of the DRC up to Tanganyika and Lake Mweru, is uniform in language and culture but racially diverse. Although the history of the Kuba people is marked by violence and warfare, their artistic style is characterized by a harmonious integration of organically related forms. The splendid artistic achievements of the Kuba are due to a fortunate blending of different racial and cultural elements, as well as the high standards upheld at the court. Kuba art ranks among the finest in Africa. Artists held a privileged position in the hierarchy. The Kuba artist carried a ceremonial ax on his shoulder, symbolizing prestige and dignity of his role. Some apprentices were recruited from among the deformed, who could neither hunt nor fight as warriors and were believed to have a close spiritual connection.
Seller's Story
A SUMMARY OF OUR AFRICA-GALLERY SELLING POLICIES.
Our Africa-gallery specialized in Ethiopian tribal art, collected and sell tribal used art from all over Africa and special from Ethiopia.
Our Gallery have a collection of authentic, original and traditional art from Africa. This collection including masks, statues, pottery, musical instruments, manuscripts, headrests and other antique, primitive art and various unusual items.
I hardly ever buy directly from Africa. All my items that I sell are old and (tribal) used. My objects come from European and American private collections, auction houses, fellow dealers and other collectors from around the world.
This site gives you an impression of our stock and activities. Authentic, museum quality African tribal art at wholesale prices
We strive to provide deeper public appreciation for high quality African art and to make it accessible to all collectors.
High quality masks, carvings, statues, fetishes, animal figures, ritual objects and bronzes displayed here will add beauty to any home and value to any collection.
In addition, an ever-growing demand for rapidly disappearing original African tribal art makes it a sound investment.
As long-time experienced collectors, we carefully select and authenticate every artifact. Shown here are original, high quality, hand-crafted pieces made of wood or bronze which can be yours at a fraction of gallery prices! Years of traditional use added distinction to many of them.
We guarantee the authenticity of every item and your complete satisfaction. We make every effort to research and document the history of each artifact.
In our gallery you will find a nice selection of our stock. If you find something that is not on the site, let us know. We always have a large stock of items that are not on our site.
Please let us know if you do not see items you want. We may be able to find them for you.
Stand - The stand is not included in the price,
Shipping - We ship worldwide. We try and get shipments out as quickly as possible after payment, usually shipping four times weekly.
Combined shipping - For buyers of multiple items please email us when done shopping for your combined invoice with reduced shipping fees. For urgent deliveries we can arrange courier shipments via DHL (additional charges incurred to be covered by the buyer).
Delivery – Delivery to most destinations is anywhere between 2 to 8 business days inside Europe and 16 to 21 business days to the rest of the world, after receiving our email confirmation that the item has been shipped. Parcels shipped from the Netherlands are sent using the Post NL and the parcel status is traceable online.
Refunds & Returns – We are aiming for your complete satisfaction. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase please return the item to us for a complete refund or exchange. No hassles, no questions asked. Refunds will be issued via PayPal or by Bank only. The shipping costs are not refundable.
Please Contact Us – For any questions, concerns, or clarifications before bidding on or purchasing an item. We are usually able to respond within 24 hours. To avoid spam filters please establish initial contact through the Africa-gallery messaging system.
Thank you for visiting our site!
Kind regards,
Gijs van Kuijk
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Very beautiful African Kuba Bwoom Royal mask - Congo
Height
35 cm
Width
30 cm
Depth
25 cm
Provenance
Private collection
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