Soko-Mutu" mask representing a stylized schimpanzé face with open mouth. Hemba, DRC. Carved wood. Circa 1930. Rare. H 19 cm X 12 cm. Base included: H 28 cm The Hemba masks copying a chimpanzee face are less known than the statuary. They are nonetheless very beautiful and not very common. For the Hemba, they are terrifying characters whose grimacing mouth announces anger and misfortune, and evokes the fear of death. Provenance: Collection H Claes, Mechelen. Collection of Dr Smits, Belgium. A certificate of M Humblet accompanies this work.

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