Ituri mask
African art in the Ituri region
Although the population is divided between Christians and Muslims, ancestral beliefs are still present through the worship of ancestors and spirits. They manifest themselves in natural elements and interfere in the lives of humans at all times, and humans must curry their favour by all traditional means, where these African masks are of great importance. While the mask tradition seems to have survived in some places in the Ituri region, other plastic manifestations such as carvings, drums, and ornate utensils seem to have disappeared. The cohabitation with pygmies seems to play an important role in the rituals of these populations.
01850
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 25 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- African art gallery
- Condition
- Excellent
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African art in the Ituri region
Although the population is divided between Christians and Muslims, ancestral beliefs are still present through the worship of ancestors and spirits. They manifest themselves in natural elements and interfere in the lives of humans at all times, and humans must curry their favour by all traditional means, where these African masks are of great importance. While the mask tradition seems to have survived in some places in the Ituri region, other plastic manifestations such as carvings, drums, and ornate utensils seem to have disappeared. The cohabitation with pygmies seems to play an important role in the rituals of these populations.