Anthropomorphic miniature mask "ikoko" ·  D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3033475

Description

ivory, attached to a necklace of black, blue and red glass beads, thread on plant fibre strings, min. dam., fissures through age;
such miniature masks with three- or four-pointed headgear embody the powerful masked spirits “fumu” and “pumbu”, with whom the boys will have a lifelong alliance.The masks, which are usually made of costly ivory or hippopotamus bone, also indicate the owner’s status and prestige.

Comparing literature

Herreman, Frank, Petridis, Constantijn (Hg.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 21, ill. 27