Monkey Mask - Hemba - DR Congo

06
days
15
hours
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Julien Gauthier
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Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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Hemba Monkey Mask, carved in wood from DR Congo, dating to the late 20th century, 17 cm high, 11 cm wide, 6 cm deep, weight 170 g, in good condition; provenance: private collection.

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Description from the seller

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.

Provenance: former private collection from Germany

Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery. Fully insured.



Seller's Story

Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins. Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins. For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.

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.

Provenance: former private collection from Germany

Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery. Fully insured.



Seller's Story

Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins. Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins. For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.

Details

Ethnic group/ culture
Hemba
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Monkey Mask
Height
17 cm
Width
11 cm
Depth
6 cm
Weight
170 g
Provenance
Private collection
The NetherlandsVerified
11682
Objects sold
100%
protop

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