The Binji are a small people from the Bushoong branch, established to the east of the ancient Kuba kingdom. This type of mask forms a stylized extrapolation to the extreme of the Bwoom mask. There are many differences in regional stylistic interpretations of the Bwoom mask, but the most marked features of the mask are invariably its bulging forehead and wide nose. The swollen cheeks suggest that he embodies an extroverted or violent character. This mask appears mainly during initiation ceremonies and funerals. Semi-mate dark brown patina, erosions and slight desication cracks. More than twenty types of masks are used in the Kuba, with meanings and functions that vary from group to group. Three types of masks have been associated with dances that take place in the royal precinct: the first, called Moshambwooy, represents Woot, the founder of the Bushoong, the hero of culture. The second, known as Nady Amwaash (Ngaady Un Mwash), plays Woot's wife/sister, a character who would have been introduced to the pageant to give more importance to the role of women. The third mask is called Bwoom. As a character, Bwoom was variously interpreted as a prince (the king's younger brother), a man of the people, a pygmy, even a subversive element to the royal court. There are many differences between regional stylistic interpretations of the Bwoom mask, but the most marked features of the form are invariably its bulging forehead and wide nose.
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