Helmet mask "ngengema jowel"

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Description

wood, strongly encrusted blackish brown patina, metal applications, nails, prominent horizontal forehead zone, rectangular pierced eyes, flat nose, incised mouth with notched rows of teeth, slightly dam., abrasion of paint, minor missing parts, traces of insect caused damage, cracks, rep. (small piece reinserted);
presumably belonging to the “gonde” mask type, which is described as “ngengema jowel” (= “funny sowei”), a clown-like figure who overturns all the conventions and decorum proper to “ndoli jowel”. Her humor lies most pointedly in her juxtaposition with the object of her parody.

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Comparing literature

Philips, Ruth B., Representing woman, Los Angeles 1995, p. 90 f. Mato, Daniel & Charles Miller, Sande, Düsseldorf 1990, ill. p. 86

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Publications

AHDRC: 0142011

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