Item Description: This mask is a hallowed out wooden block - shaped head. It has a 4”x 5” rectangular hole cut out of the top and covered with a heavy woven circular piece of fabric decorated with cowrie shells which is placed entirely over the top of the head. Alternating pieces of animal fur/hair is attached to the top fabric. The forehead, lower part of eyes, outer nostril area and mouth are covered with strips of annealed copper. This, as with original M’boom/Bwoom masks, has no eye holes. There are holes in the nostril through which some air may flow. Unlike early ones it is not designed for the wearer to see through.

Cultural Profile: Among the Kuba masks are a reflection of nature-spirits that act as intermediaries between the Supreme Being and man. In developing a mask, it is the psychological personality that the artisan attempts to capture. This mask is from the West Kasai region/Congo Kinshasa.