Kuba Mask - Pwoom Itok - Kuba - DR Congo

Pwoom Itok mask Kuba D.R. Congo

Wood, pigments, 27 cm high, 20th century. To indicate the status of high-ranking members of the Bakuba, elaborate headpieces in a U-shape were worn, covered with raffia. The cowrie shells symbolize wealth, the feathers rank. These masks were worn by masked participants at initiations and funerals to symbolize the elders’ knowledge. This Pwoom Itok mask probably represents a high-ranking male warrior.