
Description
Hemba monkey mask from DR Congo in a rustic style.
Soko-Mutu combining animal (chimpanzee) and human facial traits. The Luba name is : Mwisu gwa So’o, in Kishwahili : Soko Mutu or Monkey face
Such masks were used as facemasks with a monkey skin cover and were also used in dances attached to the performer’s belt. Such masks were mainly kept in the house for protection much like a charm or Amulet. The pear-shaped head has small slit eyes, a huge nose with large, open nostrils and a broad, grinning tooth less mouth with thick lips. This fine example bears the signs of long and extensive use.
Provenance: former private collection from Germany
Object:
Monkey mask
Ethnic group:
Hemba
Country:
DR Congo
Material:
Wood
Period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
16x12x4 cm
Weight:
80 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $100.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $39.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from The Netherlands
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Soko-Mutu combining animal (chimpanzee) and human facial traits. The Luba name is : Mwisu gwa So’o, in Kishwahili : Soko Mutu or Monkey face
Such masks were used as facemasks with a monkey skin cover and were also used in dances attached to the performer’s belt. Such masks were mainly kept in the house for protection much like a charm or Amulet. The pear-shaped head has small slit eyes, a huge nose with large, open nostrils and a broad, grinning tooth less mouth with thick lips. This fine example bears the signs of long and extensive use.
Provenance: former private collection from Germany
Object:
Monkey mask
Ethnic group:
Hemba
Country:
DR Congo
Material:
Wood
Period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
16x12x4 cm
Weight:
80 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $100.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Monkey Mask – Wood – Hemba – DR Congo
Estimate $120-$150
Starting Price
$50
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Decorative Tribal Art Sale
Feb 26, 2026 1:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
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