Mitsogo Wood Mask Gabon
Width: 7.5
Depth: 5.0
Description
Masks play a big role in the culture of Mitsogo people of Gabon. The masks are worn during harvest festivals, to welcome important guests, during funerals to pay their respect and for traditional dances. For funeral, funeral dance is performed with the masks.
Oral histories of the Mitsogo indicate that their ancestors immigrated from an area in northeastern Gabon around the Ivindo River valley during the 13th and 14th centuries. Art styles and techniques link the Mitsogo to other peoples in their region. Like the Fang and Kota peoples who live to the north and the Punu who live to the south, the Mitsogo carve figures whose primary purpose is to guard the relics of ancestors. They also practice bwiti, which is an observed practice of various other peoples throughout Gabon.
Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Mitsogo
Country of Origin: Gabon
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.