Collection place: Kwango Region, Democratic Republic of the Congo / Accession year: [Missing] / Loans: S1989-1990 #13: California State University, East Bay (January 10, 1990–February 13, 1990) - Hearst Museum Portal Search Results

Start Over Collection place Kwango Region, Democratic Republic of the Congo Accession year [Missing] Loans S1989-1990 #13: California State University, East Bay (January 10, 1990–February 13, 1990)

Hearst Museum object titled Mask, accession number 5-14933, described as Helmet mask, anthropomorphic; cylindrical head with tubular, hexagonal nose, hemispherical beard that projects forward in two platforms edged in alternating black/white brows; black-stained hair with same motif as beard; projecting orange/white ears; open split at right from top to eye, several splits above and below left eye; three incised diamonds on front, double zigzag bands at top; sides resembling teeth is repeat of single incised triangles seen elsewhere; knob at top has remnants of brown stain; lacing holes at back have two-ply vegetal cordage within; two-ply vegetal cordage strand in hole just above center of top platform (=beard); old insect damage in two areas at back. Width underneath 28.6 cm. Worn in dances performed to cure illness, particularly that of the chief; associated with supreme authority and used during the kind’s investiture. Like the king himself it is a symbol of fertility. The giphogo mask, which was unique to the Ba-Pende of Kasai, also functioned with two other masks in rituals designed to insured fertility and in general was associated with the health and fertility of the community. It was part of the chief’s treasure and was always stored in his house; reproductions of it and other masks were carved on the tops of stakes set around the chief’s house and also appeared as rood ornaments.