Barakat Gallery
Skip to main content
  • Menu
  • Home
  • Artworks
  • Exhibitions
  • About
  • Contact
Menu
  • Menu

Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Kuba Wooden Pwoom Itok Mask, 20th Century CE

Kuba Wooden Pwoom Itok Mask, 20th Century CE

Wood
7.25 x 9.75
PF.4796
Enquire
%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title_and_year%22%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_title%22%3EKuba%20Wooden%20Pwoom%20Itok%20Mask%3C/span%3E%2C%20%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_year%22%3E20th%20Century%20CE%3C/span%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EWood%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E7.25%20x%209.75%3C/div%3E
Kingship, mythical ancestry, wealth and hierarchy are all interconnected in Kuba society and in its art. Sculptures and masks are also a fundamental part of daily life in the numerous...
Read more
Kingship, mythical ancestry, wealth and hierarchy are all interconnected in Kuba society and in its art. Sculptures and masks are also a fundamental part of daily life in the numerous ritual ceremonies. Of the many varieties of masks, the Pwoom Itok is the most important; characterized by conical shaped eyes surrounded by small holes. This particular mask has other features in common with the type; a squared forehead with a headdress having two horizontal extensions on both sides, which nearly join a sort of chin strap reaching to the level of the eyes. Used as a dance mask at funerals, initiations and entertainment festivals the Pwoom Itok is intended to be very dramatic and eye-catching. Its eyes shoot out like rockets, watching us with great curiosity; while the lips seem to express gentleness and even a sense of humor. An attribute of any work of art is its ability to communicate a range of emotions no matter in what context it is placed. This handsome mask does exactly that, and makes the viewer feel a part of ancient Kuba rituals.
Close full details
Share
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Email
Previous
|
Next
213 
of  860

London

48 Albemarle Street,

London, W1S 4JW

info@barakatgallery.eu 

 

       


 

CONTACT | TEAM | PRESS 

 

Seoul
58-4, Samcheong-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82 02 730 1949
barakat@barakat.kr
             

 

Los Angeles

941 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90069
+1 310 859 8408

contact@barakatgallery.com

  


 

 

Facebook, opens in a new tab.
Instagram, opens in a new tab.
Send an email
View on Google Maps
Manage cookies
Copyright © 2025 Barakat Gallery
Site by Artlogic


Manage cookies
Accept

Cookie preferences

Check the boxes for the cookie categories you allow our site to use

Cookie options
Required for the website to function and cannot be disabled.
Improve your experience on the website by storing choices you make about how it should function.
Allow us to collect anonymous usage data in order to improve the experience on our website.
Allow us to identify our visitors so that we can offer personalised, targeted marketing.
Save preferences
Close

Join our mailing list

Sign Up

* denotes required fields