Ape mask "soko mutu" ·  D. R. Congo, Hemba · ID: 3037775

Description

wood, slightly encrusted dark brown patina, with a broad “laughing” mouth, rep. (breakages in the area of the jaw), slight traces of abrasion;
“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 3037775 was last part of the auction 78th tribal art auction at October 18, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 430.

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