Lot 591
Outstanding Giphogo Carved Wood Mask, Eastern Pende, West Kasai, Congo, Middle 20th Century. From the Eastern Pende people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a superb example of a "Giphogo" mask. It is carved in lightweight wood and decorated with red, black and white organic pigments featuring an extensive ‘beard’ with black and white geometric relief on the outer rim. There is a ‘breathing hole’ under the blunt nose, large slit eyes, small protruding ears and accent on top of the head
These impressive helmet masks are among the symbols of power used by chiefs of the Eastern Pende. Only chiefs are allowed to dance with this type of mask on the occasion of initiations and rituals of the ancestor cult of Pende. Save for a small slight age split right side of beard, of little consequence, this is a superior example of a Ghiphogo mask and one of the better tribal art pieces in the auction. Estimated Value $200 - UP
From The Private Collection of James Harrison Ring.
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| Realized $204 |
