MSSU African Art Exibit : The MSSU African Art collection features a variety of authentic works of art from various tribes located throughout Central Africa. The objects in the collection range from mundane day to day grooming tools to ritualistic masks and statues.
Title:
Monkey Dance Mask
Object Name:
Mask, Ritual
Other Name:
Mask, Dance, Monkey
Place of Origin:
Hemba, So'o, Republic of the Congo, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 8—1/2"
W = 6—1/2"
D = 3—1/2"

So'o peoples, wore during funeral rituals. Wearer is basically a clown, who mimics the dances of other performers.
Description:
Monkey dance mask with arched eyebrows, slit almond—shaped eyes, conical nose carved away from face. Wide crescent—shaped open mouth, from side—to—side with flat upper lip. Black patina over lower portion, worn buff—colored exposed on eyelids, forehead and end of nose.
Collection:
Finley Collection
Material:
Wood W/Patina
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Carving / Painting
Owned:
Art Department, Missouri Southern State University
Accession#:
2014.1.39
Click to Enlarge
Front ViewFront View
Right Side ViewRight Side View
Left Side ViewLeft Side View
Rear ViewRear View