H x W xD: 172.7 x 106.7 x 45.7cm (68 x 42 x 18in.)
Type:
Mask
Geography:
Gungu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
Pende fiber and wood masks are worn by adults during initiation rites, funerals, ceremonies associated with leadership and other important public gatherings. Fiber masquerades such as this minganji mask and costume consist of a knotted fiber mask, body suit and raffia fringe skirt, bracelets and anklets that totally cover the body. The head coverings take a variety of hooded and disk forms but tend to feature tubular eyes that suggest an all-seeing quality.
Description:
Knotted fiber cylindrical mask with two points on top, tubular eyes and raffia neck ruff attached to a knotted fiber shirt and raffia skirt. a: headress b: skirt c: skirt d: pants e: wrist covering f: wrist covering g: ankle covering h: ankle covering
Ambassador Kenneth L. Brown, collected Gungu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1966 to 1972
Exhibition History:
Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 4, 2017-ongoing
TxtStyles: Fashioning Identity, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., June 11-December 7, 2008
Making the Grade, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 11, 2001-October 27, 2002
Fabrics of Africa, Textile Museum, Washington, D.C., September 15, 1988-February 15, 1989
Celebration: A World of Art and Ritual, Renwick Gallery, Washington D.C., March 17, 1982-July 10, 1983
Published References:
Goodman, Elaine Sooy. 2009. "Warren M. Robbins and the Founding of the National Museum of African Art." Tribal Art XIII:2 (51), p. 95, no. 19.
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Folklife Programs and Renwick Gallery of the National Museum of American Art. 1982. Celebration: A World of Art and Ritual. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, p. 111, no. 126 (not illustrated).
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
