Misi gwa so'o (Chimpanzee Mask) c. 20th century
hemba
technical car design render
3d sculpting
3d model
rounded shape
3d character model
sculptural image
metallic object render
3d modeling
wood
3d character modeling
graphite
"Misi gwa so'o (Chimpanzee Mask)" is a wooden mask created by the Hemba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 20th century. The mask, which is housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is characterized by its exaggerated features, including a wide, toothy grin and a prominent nose. The mask's stylized features, as well as the presence of the word "Chimpanzee" in the title, suggests that it may have been used in ceremonies or performances related to the animal. The mask's dark patina and the deep carving indicate its age and the skilled craftsmanship of its creators.
Comments
Chimpanzees are rarely featured in African art because their resemblance to humans can be unsettling. Exceptions are the misi gwa so'o masks of the Hemba. The exaggerated features of the half-human, half-chimpanzee mask contrast greatly with the noble and reserved ancestral figures of the classic Hemba style. The wide, open mouth and raised eyebrows were not meant to be comical, but rather fearsome and terrifying. Misi gwa so'o masks were used at funerals to symbolize the presence of death.
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