Anthropomorphic miniature mask "ikoko"

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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.

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Comparing literature

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

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