About 90,000 Hemba people inhabit the right bank of the Lualaba River in southeast DRC. Their land is surrounded by hills and bordered by streams, rocks, and marshes. They recognize a creator god Vidiye Mukulu and a supreme being ShimuGabo. The Hemba offer prized tribal statuary that is coveted by collectors worldwide. Fortunately a few rare mask forms are just beginning to hit the market and gain recognition. Unfortunately much of their function and meaning remain obscure. The mask on the left designed in a native hardwood, presents an abstract human face with a slim, narrow, grin that takes up half the facial circumference. A sleek exaggerated tapering nose which sets between two small slanted eyes highlighted by tribal scarification underneath completes the simplistic composition. The Hemba see the serenely closed eyes as a reflection the ancestor’s interior calm and the grin as a reflection of satisfaction and power. The mask on the right is known to the Hemba as a mwisi wa so’o. It is used in important rituals performed by the So’o, a semi-secret society. Artistically the mwisi wa so'o combines humanoid features with that of a chimpanzee. Religiously, the reference to the chimpanzee is not a positive one, for the Hemba do not admire that animal, but rather regard it as one that can be aggressive and predatory toward people. The mask suggests an untamed, uncontrolled, frightening presence. Pelts from both domestic and wild animals, along with materials of both village and forest, comprise the costume for the intimidating mask. The price is for both masks. Please click photo for enlargement! See other photos and Order button below. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message! **For a complete inventory listing please go to the 'Index' section on the Navigation Bar to your right** Dimensions: Left mask: 8 inches long x 5 inches wide x 4 inches deep. Right mask: 8 1/4 inches long x 5 inches wide x 5 1/2 inches deep. Wt: 6 lbs. |
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