Bwoom Mask

Facebook Post 109 - FO - written by Melissa Bushnick Fall 2007: Melissa Bushnick, Fall 2007 Featured Object – Kuba Mask, 2001.06.0005The Kuba peoples live in the Lower Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) in an area of both dense forest and open savannah. This Kuba mask, called aBwoom or mBwoom, is a principle mask used in a variety of contexts including public ceremonies, rites involving the king, and initiations. The Bwoom is one of three in a royal masking trio; the other two are Ngaady aMwaash and Mwash aMbooy. Although their dances are generally solo, together the three royal masks reenact Kuba myths of origin. In such reenactments, Bwoom is always considered a spirit. Mwaash aMbooy is meant to embody and represent the royal power of Woot, the mythical first king and founder of the Kuba peoples, while Ngaady aMwaash is called the “pawn woman” of Mwaash aMbooy. She is recognized as the first wife of the king Woot, from whom all Kuba royalty are descended. However, she is also known as the sister of Woot. The relationship with his sister resulted in illness and disunity, and ultimately Woot fled from his wife. The story of Woot and Mwaash aMbooy thus serves as a cautionary tale against incest; the transgressive nature of this incestuous relationship separates Woot from the world of mortals. The Bwoom mask represents the non-royal constituents of the Kuba kingdom, and the Bwoom character is thought of as an outsider, foreigner, or sometimes a pygmy. According to myth, Bwoom came from the north and was not a part of the Kuba kingdom. This mask would have been used in ceremonial dances alongside Mwaash aMbooy, depicting a mock fight for the affections of Ngaady aMwaash. In these performances, Mwaash aMbooy's dance is calm and stately, while Bwoom acts with pride and aggression. The Spurlock Museum’s Bwoom mask is designed in standard fashion with easily recognized facial features. The masks are made in the style of a wooden helmet mask featuring metal work on the forehead, cheeks, and nose, painted circles around the mouth, and beadwork along the eyes nose and mouth. The colors of the beads are significant: blue suggests high rank, red represents suffering and fertility, and white symbolizes purity, mourning, and the sacred. The cowrie shells, along with the beads, indicate wealth and royal status. When Bwoom appears in masquerade, the entire body of the mask-wearer is covered in fabric, cowrie shells, beadwork, feathers and/or raffia.

Felix, Marc Leo. 100 Peoples of Zaire and Their Sculpture. Brussels: Zaire Basin Art History Research Foundation, 1987. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology. Accessed 10- 26-07. http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/exhibits/newtocollections/new.shtml Rebirth African Art Gallery, Kuba Royal Mask History. Accessed 10-26-07. http://www.rebirth.co.za/Kuba/royal_mask_history.htm http://www.vub.ac.be/BIBLIO/nieuwenhuysen/african-art/african-art-collection-masks.htm