Gikhoko Initiation Mask

Gikhoko Initiation Mask

unknown Pende

carver (person in crafts)

Pende

mask (costume)

work

bone (material)

carving (process)

10.16 x 5.08 x 3.81 cm (4 x 2 x 1 1/2 inches)

1970.004.002

1970.004.002

1970.004.002.jpg

To request permission to reproduce this work, please contact the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art

The masks of the Bapende peoples can be classified into two styles, the western, or Kwilu and the eastern, or Kasai style. This mask, or more properly badge, reflects the Kwilu style. It is a smaller version of the crested mbuya initiation mask and would have been worn as a pendant, or gikhoko, by an initiate into a secret society as a badge of honor. It also served as protection against illness and hardship. The three-pointed crown of this mask indicates that it refers to the pumbu, or chief, type of mbuya mask.

Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, State University of New York at New Paltz (New Paltz, New York, United States)

Decorative Arts Collection. Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art

http://hvvacc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/sdma/id/1943

http://hvvacc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/sdma/id/1943