Ape mask "soko mutu" · D. R. Congo, Hemba · ID: 3034987
Lucien van de Velde, Antwerp, Belgium
Eric Kawan, Brussels, Belgium
Description
wood, stained greyish brown patina, encrusted, reduced, clearly defined forms, a broad gap-like opened mouth situated directly at the chin, linear scarification marks below the eyes and on the nose bridge, slightly dam. (mouth right eye), one of the drilled holes backside broken out, metal socle;
“soko mutu” mask dancers were costumed with a tapa cape, wig and pelt beard from the coat of the colobus ape. They were looked upon as frightening characters. Their apparently grinning mouth promised rage and disaster and reminded of the fears of death. The ferocious dances they performed at funeral ceremonies and commemorative festivities reflected the Hembas idea of a disordered afterworld.
The object Ape mask “soko mutu” with the object ID 3034987 was last part of the auction 73rd tribal art auction at May 25, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 373.
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Comparing literature
Herreman, Frank, Petridis, Constantijn (ed.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 177