Ape Mask - Sokomutu - Hemba - DR Congo
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€ 1
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Ape Mask, a Sokomutu by the Hemba people, carved in wood in DR Congo, mid‑20th century, provenance: private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Hemba Sokomutu Ape Mask.
DR Congo.
Refined Hemba sokomutu mask. With its sharp and powerful facial features, this ape mask's expression leans very strongly towards that of human beings. The slit eyes, pointy nose and almost sarcastic smile depicts a sense of evil and distrust. This mask is very well proportioned with a balanced half moon mouth along the rim of the object. The half moon shape is repeated in the eyes and eyebrow curves. In overall a sculpture with fine composure and beautiful patina.
Sokomutu is the indigenous Hemba term, which translates as "almost human". The characters were looked upon as frightening, symbolising mischief, disaster and fear of death, through, among others, the ape's grinning mouth.
Provenance:
Maximilian Christiaens, Brussels, Belgium
Object type: sokomutu ape mask
Tribe: Hemba
Material: wood
Height: 18 cm
The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.
Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.
Seller's Story
Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects.
Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné.
Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders.
Website: galeriemutu .com
Instagram: galerie.mutu
E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com
Hemba Sokomutu Ape Mask.
DR Congo.
Refined Hemba sokomutu mask. With its sharp and powerful facial features, this ape mask's expression leans very strongly towards that of human beings. The slit eyes, pointy nose and almost sarcastic smile depicts a sense of evil and distrust. This mask is very well proportioned with a balanced half moon mouth along the rim of the object. The half moon shape is repeated in the eyes and eyebrow curves. In overall a sculpture with fine composure and beautiful patina.
Sokomutu is the indigenous Hemba term, which translates as "almost human". The characters were looked upon as frightening, symbolising mischief, disaster and fear of death, through, among others, the ape's grinning mouth.
Provenance:
Maximilian Christiaens, Brussels, Belgium
Object type: sokomutu ape mask
Tribe: Hemba
Material: wood
Height: 18 cm
The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.
Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.
Seller's Story
Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects.
Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné.
Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders.
Website: galeriemutu .com
Instagram: galerie.mutu
E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com
Details
Indigenous object name
Sokomutu
Ethnic group/ culture
Hemba
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Ape Mask
Height
18 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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