Additional Images:

Soku-mutu Mask (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

Date:

19th–20th century

Culture:

Hemba

Category:

Masks
Sculpture

Medium:

Wood, iron

Collection:

African Art

Geography:

Place Made,Democratic Republic of Congo

Dimensions:

Overall (with stand): 12 × 6 1/8 × 3 1/2 in. (30.48 × 15.56 × 8.89 cm)
Overall (without stand): 8 × 6 1/8 × 3 1/2 in. (20.32 × 15.56 × 8.89 cm)

Object Number:

90.142

Location:

G205A - African Gallery East

The wide mouth and broad cheeks of this mask create an almost mocking appearance that appears quite different from the noble reserve of the adjacent figures. Hemba Soko-mutu masks are sometimes hung in dwellings to assure a happy life. At other times they are worn as a face mask or attached to a belt.

Additional Information

Credit Line:

Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund

Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.

VMFA

VMFA

Soku-mutu Mask (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

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African Gallery East

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