H x W x D: 6.0 x 2.7 x 2.4 cm (2 3/8 x 1 1/16 x 15/16 in.)
Type:
Jewelry
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Late 19th-early 20th century
Label Text:
Ivory pendants are a miniature version of a kind of mask used in initiation retreats. These pendants were also made of wood, bone, and palm nut: today they are also made of aluminum. Worn around the neck, they function as protective and healing devices.
Description:
Ivory pendant with triangular-shaped face, three point hairstyle, continuous v-form brows, closed oval eyes and sharply pointed chin. Traces of pigment (camwood and/or resin) are visible in the recessed areas.
Provenance:
Emile M. Deletaille, Brussels, before 1973 to 1985
Exhibition History:
Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 4, 2017-ongoing
Treasures 2008, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., April 9-August 24, 2008
Published References:
Patton, Sharon F. and Bryna Freyer. 2008. Treasures 2008. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, pp. 82-83.
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
