© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University. Photo by Michael McKelvey.

ClassificationsAfrican Art

Mask, Pwoom Itok

Place CreatedDemocratic Republic of the Congo, Africa

CultureKuba, Ngeende (?)

Datelate 19th-mid 20th Century

MediumWood, pigments, cloth, beads

Credit LineEx coll. William S. Arnett

Dimensions10 1/4 x 14 3/4 x 14 3/16 in. (26.1 x 37.5 x 36 cm)

Object number1994.004.085

Label TextThe various peoples comprising the Kuba kingdom share a rich tradition of masks distinguished by their display of beads, cowrie shells, textiles, and leather. In addition to three royal mask characters that perform at the investiture of a new king, there are nine other principle Kuba mask characters, of which the pwoom itok is one. This mask, with its exaggerated facial features and geometric painted designs, was worn during dances at funerals, initiations, and entertainment festivals. It depicts a tired, wise old man whom the other dancers come to consult. The upper portion of this type of mask is usually adorned with a feathered headdress imitating those worn by notable persons.

This particular mask may have been carved by an Ngeende artist. The Ngeende are a Kuba people who traditionally lived east of the Bushong, the group accorded the privilege of choosing the paramount Kuba king.
Exhibition HistoryMCCM Permanent Collection Installation, May 11, 1993 - July 1994
MCCM Permanent Collection Installation, Rotation 3, September 26, 1998 - Spring 2003
MCCM Permanent Collection Installation, July 19, 2003 - December 2004
Published ReferencesMichael C. Carlos Museum: Highlights of the Collections (Atlanta: Michael C. Carlos Museum, 2011), 106.

ProvenanceEx coll. William S. Arnett (1939-2020), Atlanta, Georgia.

Status

Not on view

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