Anthropomorphic miniature mask "ikoko" ·  D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3033936

Description

ivory, partly reddish patina, attached to a necklace of coloured glass beads, rep. (back), minor missing parts, cracks through age, on base;
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