Two miniature masks
D. R. Congo, Pende
sold
EUR 700
Provenance
a) Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 10 September 2005, lot 389b) Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 25 February 2006, lot 316
Hans Dietrich Rielau, Hösbach, Germany
Description
wood, reddish brown patina, black paint, kaolin, a) face mask, h: 16 cm, eyes with lowered lids and incised tribal marks underneath, slightly dam. (nose tip, rim backside); b) mask “giwoyo”, h: 22 cm, characteristic form, eyes with lowered lids, the long chin projection framed by grass fibre, slightly dam., minor missing part (plug-like projection on the head);
“giwoyo” is one of the oldest masks of the Central Pende. It is worn on the head like a baseball cap. Its dance should release the spirits of the deceased of the village. It is associated with mystery, ancestors and hunting.