Ikhoko
Pende · Democratic Republic of the Congo
Reference: MRF-17
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- Height
- 5 cm
- Material
- Ivory
The Ikhoko are small amulets of the Pende, carved in ivory, to be carried as a medallion, neck-slope or concealed between the clothes. They are protective…
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Full original description
The Ikhoko are small amulets of the Pende, carved in ivory, to be carried as a medallion, neck-slope or concealed between the clothes. They are protective figures, no more than five or six centimeters, actually Mbuya miniaturized masks, with the same healing properties as these masks. They are sometimes used in gratitude to the great mask for having obtained a cure. They are the object of attention by their owners who often proceed to anointings with palm oil, which gives them a characteristic reddish patina with the course of time. This small mask has a circular scarification on its forehead, as well as on its cheeks.
Amulet mask representing a boss hangs, recognizable by his three-pointed hairstyle.
Further technical information
- Width
- 3 cm
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
