Hemba Mwisi Gwa So'o mask
Man and animal in traditional art in the Congo
If the Hemba statuary is very represented and constitutes a major corpus in the primitive art of Central Africa, the African Hemba masks are less known. There is an easily identifiable type called mwisi gwa so'o or sometimes soko mutu, consisting of a broad smile and a long nose. This mask, depicting an ape-like face, was worn with a headdress and costume as seen in the contextual photos.
The mask that I offer here is in very good condition and has a smooth patina showing the natural color of the wood despite the repeated applications of vegetable oils to embellish it at the time of its ritual use.
02380
Data sheet
- Size
- 25 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Man and animal in traditional art in the Congo
If the Hemba statuary is very represented and constitutes a major corpus in the primitive art of Central Africa, the African Hemba masks are less known. There is an easily identifiable type called mwisi gwa so'o or sometimes soko mutu, consisting of a broad smile and a long nose. This mask, depicting an ape-like face, was worn with a headdress and costume as seen in the contextual photos.
The mask that I offer here is in very good condition and has a smooth patina showing the natural color of the wood despite the repeated applications of vegetable oils to embellish it at the time of its ritual use.