Lot: 429

75th tribal art auction

Necklace with anthropomorphic amulet mask "ikoko"

D. R. Congo, Pende

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
Boris Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg, Germany
American Private Collection, New Jersey
L: 10.6 inch;
H: 2.6 inch (ikoko)
This object is not available anymore.

blue and black glass beads, thread on three plant fibre strings, ivory pendant with a long grooved beard "mwevu";
such pendant masks were invoked during healing rites, where the patient was obliged to wear a miniature version of the mask around the neck, by way of protection. These pendants were formerly presented as trophies to the boys following their initiation "mukanda".