Hemba monkey / bird 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 Italian collection.




Object:

Monkey mask



Ethnic group:

Hemba



Country:

DR Congo



Material:

Wood



Period:

Mid 20th century



Sold with stand:

No



Dimensions:

17x14x9 cm



Weight:

350 gram



Condition:

Good condition, used with some signs of wear

Reserve: $140.00

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Location: This item ships from The Netherlands .

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