{"product_id":"kuba-mask-bwoom-small-helmet-royal-congo-154476","title":"Kuba Mask Bwoom Small Helmet Royal Congo","description":"\u003col\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmbrace the striking beauty and cultural significance of the Kuba Mask Bwoom Royal Helmet from Congo. Adorned with stunning Kuba beadwork, metal, shells, glass, and fabric, this African artifact is both a collectible and a unique piece of history. Bring a touch of African culture into your home with this beautiful mask.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bwoom, one of the three royal masks, holds a significant place in the cultural heritage of the Kuba people residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with its origins dating back to the seventeenth century. This ancient mask is a central figure in various ceremonial events, embodying distinct characteristics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring boys' initiations, the Bwoom symbolizes the nature spirit Ngeesh. As part of the royal mask trio, it personifies a defiant character engaged in a power struggle with his brother Woot, vying for control and the possession of Ngaady a Mwaash, his wife and sister. The Bwoom is not only a symbol of opposition within the royal hierarchy but is also associated with the common man, reflecting a rebellious spirit against the established aristocratic order.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn his role as an insurgent challenging the throne and its system, the Bwoom masquerader exhibits a proud and aggressive style of dancing, expressing the rebellious essence inherent in the character. According to legends surrounding the origin of the Bwoom, the distinctive features of the mask, including its bulging forehead, are crafted to imitate the heads of pygmies. This colorful trio of characters comprises the recognized pantheon of royal helmet masks, which are eagerly sought after by collectors and museums.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThere is a large crack on the inside of the wooden helmet part.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeight (in): \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e12.0\u003cbr\u003eWidth (in): 12.0\u003cbr\u003eDepth (in): 7.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e154476\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sku 154000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51324646392103,"sku":"154476","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/1015\/9911\/files\/IMG_4282_ac94842d-4519-40a6-b3b4-965306c83f66.jpg?v=1776962437","url":"https:\/\/africadirect.com\/products\/kuba-mask-bwoom-small-helmet-royal-congo-154476","provider":"Africa Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}