Аукцион Bidspirit | Kuba Bwoom Royal Helmet Mask

Kuba Bwoom Royal Helmet Mask - This mixed-media helmet mask represents the Bwoom character of the Kuba people from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is constructed from a hand-carved wooden face and ears, with the forehead and bridge of the nose covered in hammered copper sheeting. Decorative bands of white and light blue glass beads are stitched over the copper and extend across the face. The crown and the rear portion of the helmet are made of dark woven textile embellished with geometric patterns of multicolored glass beads and cowrie shells. The base of the mask is trimmed with a double row of dried seed pods and cowrie shells. Black animal hair is applied to the ridge and sides, with a contrasting patch of light-colored hair on the forehead. A leather tail decorated with four cowrie shells in a cross pattern extends from the front base. The interior is hollowed out with visible tool marks. Overall length including tail is approximately 20.5 inches. Mask depth at the base is approximately 13 inches. Mask height is approximately 11.5 inches.