Hemba (Bahemba), Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mwisi wa soo mask. In
southeast DRC, the 80,000 Hemba people inhabit vast plains surrounded by high hills and
bordered by streams, rocks, and marshes. They are primarily subsistence
agriculturalists whose main staples include manioc, maize, peanuts, beans and yams. The mwisi wa soo mask is used in Soo,
a semi-secret society. It represents a strange were-chimpanzee, partaking of
characteristics of both the animal and the human order, but really being of neither. The
mask suggests an untamed, uncontrolled presence. Pelts from both domestic and wild
animals, along with materials of both village and forest, comprise the costume for the
intimidating soo. Soo is like a spirit of the deceased, not yet
installed in the world of the dead, no longer part of the world of the living. During the
dances the mask is held near the face.
Material: wood
Size:
H. 15, W. 11½, D. 8