Helmet mask (gipogo)
Artist Unidentified
19th–20th century
Object PlaceDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/TechniqueWood, pigment
Dimensions33.02 cm (13 in.)
Credit LineGift of William E. and Bertha L. Teel
Accession number1994.408
On View
Not on viewClassificationsMasks
Collections
The eastern or Kasai Pende employed several large helmet masks associated with the power of the king and chiefs. This gipogo type appeared at village healing/nurturing rituals. A boldly carved, almost spherical form, it displays protruding features and a shelf like horizontal beard edged with diamond motifs similar to Chokwe and Kuba decoration. Black and white details highlight the dominant red color.
ProvenanceExchanged by a private collector with Maurice Bonnefoy (dealer), Paris and New York (stock no. 1204); November 9, 1987, sold by Bonnefoy to William and Bertha Teel, Marblehead, MA; 1994, partial gift of William and Bertha Teel to the MFA; 2014, acquired fully with the bequest of William Teel to the MFA. (Accession Dates: January 26, 1994 and February 26, 2014)
Artist Unidentified
Artist Unidentified
