Title:
Ituri Dance Mask
Object Name:
Mask, Dance, Ituri
Other Name:
Mask, Face, Ituri Forest
Place of Origin:
Ituri, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 15"
W = 9"
D = 4"
For the Mbuti people of the Ituri forest of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a nomadic hunter—gatherer society, the forest is sacred. It is the source of their existence – their god, parent and sanctuary. The Mbuti are bamiki bandura, “children of the forest”, enveloped from birth in a rich symbolic tradition that stresses the supreme value of ndura, or “forestness”. Mbuti speak and sing reverently and lightheartedly about, and to, the forest. They sing “leaf—carrying” and “honey—bee” songs. The most valued are songs without words, sung to awaken the forest and make it rejoice through the beauty of the sound alone. Dances performed for ritual purposes or for pure enjoyment include the mimetic “elephant hunt” and “honey—bee” dances, enacted to attract, and give thanks for, game and food.
H = 15"
W = 9"
D = 4"
For the Mbuti people of the Ituri forest of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a nomadic hunter—gatherer society, the forest is sacred. It is the source of their existence – their god, parent and sanctuary. The Mbuti are bamiki bandura, “children of the forest”, enveloped from birth in a rich symbolic tradition that stresses the supreme value of ndura, or “forestness”. Mbuti speak and sing reverently and lightheartedly about, and to, the forest. They sing “leaf—carrying” and “honey—bee” songs. The most valued are songs without words, sung to awaken the forest and make it rejoice through the beauty of the sound alone. Dances performed for ritual purposes or for pure enjoyment include the mimetic “elephant hunt” and “honey—bee” dances, enacted to attract, and give thanks for, game and food.
Description:
Oval—shaped wooden face mask. Small circular closely placed eyes, slightly open protruding mouth. Prominent brow. Triangular—shaped slightly protruding nose. Small ears, with large slightly curved chin. Dark brown wood, possibly brown patina covering entire surface area.
Collection:
Guy Mace Collection, (Turblex Company)
Material:
Wood W/Paint
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Carving / Painting
Owned:
Art Department, MSSU
Accession#:
2015.2.4
Click to Enlarge
Front View
Frony View - 2
Right Side View
Left Side View
Rear View
Front View, Close-Up
Front View
Frony View - 2
Right Side View
Left Side View
Rear View
Front View, Close-Up