H x W x D: 6 x 2.9 x 2.2 cm (2 3/8 x 1 1/8 x 7/8 in.)
Type:
Jewelry
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
This ivory pendant is a miniature version of a kind of mask used in initiation retreats. These pendants were also made of wood, bone and palm nut, but today they are also made of aluminum. Worn around the neck, they function as protective and healing devices.
Description:
Ivory face form pendant with single crest hairstyle, incised continuous brow and rectangular shaped beard.
Provenance:
Eliot Elisofon, New York, before 1958 to 1973
Published References:
Elisofon, Eliot. 1958. The Sculpture of Africa. New York: Praeger, p. 160, no. 201.
Content Statement:
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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/
