Rare pig mask "ngulu" ·  D. R. Congo, Chokwe · ID: 3039125

Description

wood, brown patina, decoration tag, incised scarifications accentuated by red pigment, remains of a bonnet from animal skin on the back, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
the dancer generally performs on all fours, imitating the pig’s behaviour, poking about with its snout, scratching itself and trampling around clumsily.
The dance masks are used by itinerant dancers, who keep them in a basket. After the performance, the dancers receive gifts in return for the magical strength which they have dispensed to the community.

Expertise

L'Impasse St Jacques Arts Primitifs, Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels

Comparing literature

Bastin, Marie-Louise, La sculpture Tshokwe, Gossau 1982, p. 86 f.