Hemba Sokomutu Ape Mask

"Sokomutu" is an indigenous Hemba term, which translates to "almost human". The characters were looked upon as frightening, symbolising mischief, disaster and fear of death, through, among others, the ape's grinning mouth.
 
Tribe:
Hemba, Democratic Republic of Congo
 
Period:
Early 20th century
 
Provenance:
Jo Christiaens private collection, Brussels, Belgium
 
wood
height 19 cm
sold with metal stand