Misi gwa so'o (Chimpanzee Mask), 20th century, 8-7/8 x 6-3/4 x 4-7/16 in. (22.5 x 17.1 x 11.3 cm), Wood, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 20th century, Chimpanzees are rarely featured in African art because their resemblance to humans can be unsettling. Exceptions are the misi gwa so'o masks of the Hemba. The exaggerated features of the half-human, half-chimpanzee mask contrast greatly with the noble and reserved ancestral figures of the classic Hemba style. The wide, open mouth and raised eyebrows were not meant to be comical, but rather fearsome and terrifying. Misi gwa so'o masks were used at funerals to symbolize the presence of death.
Keywords:
Misi gwa o, Chimpanzee Mask, 20th century, Wood, Democratic Republic, Congo, 20th century, Chimpanzees, rarely featured, African art, resemblance, humans, unsettling, Exceptions, misi gwa o masks, Hemba, exaggerated features, half-human, half-chimpanzee mask contrast greatly, noble, reserved ancestral figures, classic Hemba style, wide, open mouth, raised eyebrows, meant, comical, fearsome, terrifying, Misi gwa o masks, funerals, symbolize, presence, death
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