Carved in high relief the features of this mask seem to explode from the wood's surface. Conical shapes predominate with a pointed forehead, large sharp nose and rocket-shaped eyes surrounded...
Carved in high relief the features of this mask seem to explode from the wood's surface. Conical shapes predominate with a pointed forehead, large sharp nose and rocket-shaped eyes surrounded by tiny holes. In contrast to these dramatic facial extensions the mouth is in low relief, highly abstract and very graceful. On the upper portion is a sort of headband with two triangular extensions pointed at an angle towards the eyes. Holes along the upper rim may have been used to tie on a feathered headdress. The meaning behind the conical eyes is unknown, though the mask itself undoubtedly took part in ritual dances at funerals, initiations or entertainment festivals. Pwoom Itoks represent a unique genre of masks that are very exciting, very expressive and whose origins are still a mystery.