Details
ITEM NAME:
Hemba Mwisi Gwa So’o Mask
ITEM #:
55028
ETHNICITY:
Hemba
ORIGIN:
Democratic Republic of Congo
MEDIUM:
Wood, Pigment.
DIMENSIONS:
14″ Tall (35.6 cm) on Stand
CONDITION:
Fair, note the bug damage on the forehead.
PROVENANCE:
Jean Pierre Hallet Estate Collection – California, USA.
CATALOGUE NOTE:
Step into the profound cultural tapestry of the Democratic Republic of Congo with the Hemba Mwisi Gwa So’o Mask. This isn’t just another decorative piece; it’s a portal to the Hemba people’s rich spiritual traditions, a tangible representation of their reverence for ancestral ties and the metaphysical realms they navigate.
Crafted with an uncanny attention to detail, the mask is a masterclass in symbolism, its striking features depicting the dual essence of the chimpanzee-human spirit. With convex eyelids that give rise to enigmatic slits beneath pronounced arching brows, and a snout-like protrusion that unfurls into a flat upper lip, this mask doesn’t just mimic the chimpanzee – it embodies the raw spirit of the Simian ancestry revered by the Hemba.
The design culminates in a broad, grinning mouth, a powerful emblem of rage and chaotic forces lurking just beyond the order of life, as understood by the Hemba. This isn’t a grin of welcome but a harbinger of respect and a nod to the powerful themes of death and social entropy, artfully captured in wood.
Imbued with the spirit of raucous dance and somber reflection, the Hemba Mwisi Gwa So’o Masqueraders don this mask, draped in animal skins and bark cloth, accentuated by the haunting black and white of colobus monkey fur. It’s more than an art piece—it’s a fulcrum of the Hemba’s funeral and memorial ceremonies, an agent of catharsis, and a vivid reminder of the cycles of life and death.
Unique not only in its representation but also in its lineage, this mask heralds from the esteemed Jean Pierre Hallet Estate Collection, carrying with it the prestige of a revered connoisseur. Collectors of African art will recognize the exceptional nature of this piece—a rare find that offers a window into the soul of Hemba society, as well as a remarkable addition to any collection of fine art or African artifacts.
Do not miss this opportunity to own a piece of Hemba spiritual legacy. The Hemba Mwisi Gwa So’o Mask is an investment in cultural beauty, historical significance, and the visceral power of African artistry.
