Helmet mask "giphogo"
R. D. Congo, Pende
Vendu
1 200 €
Provenance
Harvey T. Menist, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsPierre Dartevelle, Brussels, Belgium (1977)
Hans Hess, Basel, Switzerland (1978)
Eduard Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Taille
H: 27,5 cm
H: 10.8 inch
Description
wood, polychrome paint, slit eyes and a trunk-like nose, beard with zigzag ornaments, coiffure with knob-like projection, min. dam., minor missing parts, fissures, slight traces of abrasion;
the mask “giphogo” forms part of the chief’s treasure, and is kept in his residence together with other sacred objects. The masked figure represents the political leader and symbolizes ancestral power.