Luba-Hemba, Rep. of Congo: A ‘soko mutu’ ape mask.
A very old, small ape mask, ‘soko mutu’, of the Hemba, a subgroup of the Luba, in southeastern Congo. These ‘soko mutu masks’ belong to the ancestor cult of the Hemba and exist in two formats: large masks of this type were used for dances, whereas the smaller ones, such as the present item, were hung in the houses of the Hemba as protective amulets. The present ‘soko mutu mask’ is perfectly crafted. With old, partly shiny, partly encrusted patina (as a result of sacrificial offerings), and a characteristic small hole above the forehead for the insertion of ‘magic substances’. A piece of magnificent quality. In excellent condition, no damage. Between the end of the 19th and the first third of the 20th century; H: 15 cm, W: 11 cm. (ME)
Lit.: ‘African Art in American Collections’ by Robbins & Nooter, ill. 1184.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 7,000.- to EUR 8,000.-
Luba-Hemba, Rep. of Congo: A ‘soko mutu’ ape mask.
A very old, small ape mask, ‘soko mutu’, of the Hemba, a subgroup of the Luba, in southeastern Congo. These ‘soko mutu masks’ belong to the ancestor cult of the Hemba and exist in two formats: large masks of this type were used for dances, whereas the smaller ones, such as the present item, were hung in the houses of the Hemba as protective amulets. The present ‘soko mutu mask’ is perfectly crafted. With old, partly shiny, partly encrusted patina (as a result of sacrificial offerings), and a characteristic small hole above the forehead for the insertion of ‘magic substances’. A piece of magnificent quality. In excellent condition, no damage. Between the end of the 19th and the first third of the 20th century; H: 15 cm, W: 11 cm. (ME)
Lit.: ‘African Art in American Collections’ by Robbins & Nooter, ill. 1184.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |