Kuba people, Congo

12 inches, wood, shells, beads, raffia, cloth, fur

Q: I am a student at Bowdoin and am attempting to identify this mask. Can you help?  Oliver, 5-18-11   153

A: Thanks for this interesting Bwoom mask of the Bushoong-Kuba people located in central Republic of Congo. These big masks cover the whole head and are always adorned with lots of shells, beads, cloth and fur. It hasn't been made to look old so it could be authentic. They've been well studied so you can find lots of info on them.