Necklace with anthropomorphic amulet mask "ikoko"
D. R. Congo, Pende
not available anymore
Provenance
Lore Kegel & Dr. Georg Kegel, Hamburg, Germany (1956)Size
L: 29 cm
5,5 cm (ikoko)
L: 11.4 inch
2.2 inch (ikoko)
Description
ivory, blue glass beads, thread on plant fibre string, ivory pendant with a long beard called “mwevu”, collection number “224-154”;
such pendant masks were invoked during healing rites, where the patient was obliged to wear a miniature version of the mask around the neck, by way of protection. These pendants were formerly presented as trophies to the boys following their initiation “mukanda”.