|
Name
|
pwoom itok / ishendemala, or ishyeenmaal
|
|
Code
|
Baku-017 |
|
Tribe
|
Bushoong, Ngeende: Kuba kingdom |
|
Country
|
Zaire (now People’s Republic of Congo) |
|
Notes
|
The kingdom of the Kuba is long established, its institutions dating back to the 16th century. The Bushoong are the leading group, from whom the king, nyimi, originates. The Ngeende have a more extensive history of mask making than many of their neighbours, probably because they have been closely bound to the Bushoong.
The pwoon itok is thought to be a creation of the Ngeende, rather than the Bushoong, It appears at the young men’s initiation and also performs as a dance mask.
Characteristic are the large round eyes with protruding pupils, often represented by a copper nail. The surrounding iris usually has multiple perforations through which the masquerader sees. The nose is strongly marked with flared nostrils, and the upper part of the head is extended by a structure of cane and raffia. Pwoom itok incarnates the wise old man whom the other dancers consult.
Among the Bushoong, this mask is worn by members of the babande society, responsible for the apprehension of criminals. |
| Bibliography |
Face of the Spirits: Masks of the Zaire Basin
Frank Herreman, Constantijn Petridis |
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