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THB20th C. Kuba Beaded Bwoom Mask w/ Copper, Pelt, Shells
Lot 175
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$1,500 - $2,250
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| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Apr 15, 2021
Set Reminder
2021-04-15 10:00:00
2021-04-15 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : VARIETY SALE | Ancient & Ethnographic Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/variety-sale-ancient-ethnographic-art-6811
Featuring classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Fine Art, more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Featuring classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Fine Art, more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (310)
- Lot Description
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba (Bushoong subgroup), ca. mid 20th century CE. A very large helmet mask representing the head of a mythical entity known as Bwoom. Comprised of a wooden frame that is covered with burlap as well as sections of hammered copper, goatskin, animal pelt, and most of all, embellished with hundreds of colorful beads and cowrie shells that are meticulously arranged to create a mesmerizing visage of this mythological entity. This type of mask is one of three types of royal Kuba masks that are understood to embody nature spirits (mingesh): Woot, the creator as well as the founder of the reigning dynasty; Woot's spouse; and Bwoom who, in accordance with various versions of the myth, is believed to be the king's younger brother, a commoner, or a person of Twa descent. Size: 17.25" L x 8.75" W x 11.75" H (43.8 cm x 22.2 cm x 29.8 cm)
See another Bwoom mask at the Brooklyn Museum (73.178) as well as the Yale University Art Gallery (2006.51.166). According to the Yale Art Gallery's curatorial description, "The Bwoom mask appears mostly at funerals to honor a deceased member of the men’s initiation society. Although it is often referred to as a royal mask, it may represent a prince, a commoner who defies the authority of the king, or – because of its bulging forehead – a Tshwa Pygmy, who are considered the original owners of the land. "
Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection; ex-Martin Boxer collection; ex-Komer Gallery, New York City, New York USA circa 1965
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#160623Some losses to fur on pelt panels. Desiccation to leather/goat skin panels. Cracks to copper panel over the mouth. Areas of burlap with tears and fraying. Minor losses to shells and beads, but most remain. A few cracks to wooden framework that are visible from the interior.Condition
- Shipping Info
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