Anthropomorphic miniature mask "ikoko"
D. R. Congo, Pende
sold
EUR 1,200
Provenance
Lore Kegel & Boris Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg, GermanySize
H: 5,5 cm
H: 2.2 inch
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.