page_title: Kuba masquerade
hierarchical_section_title: Kuba masquerade
caption_attribution_description: English: A mask from the Kuba Kingdom. Kuba mythology revolves around three figures, each represented by a masquerade character: Woot, the creator and founder of the ruling dynasty; Woot’s spouse; and Bwoom. Bwoom’s specific identity varies according to different versions of the myth. He may represent the king’s younger brother, a person of Twa descent, or a commoner. Embodying a subversive force within the royal court, the Bwoom masquerade is often performed in conflict with the masked figure representing Woot.
context_page_description: The Bushong Kuba are responsible for some of the most beautiful and sophisticated masquerade or dance traditions in Africa.
context_section_description: The Bushong Kuba are responsible for some of the most beautiful and sophisticated masquerade or dance traditions in Africa.
caption: Bwoom mask, from the collection of the Brooklyn Museum
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