African Arts Gallery

This type of talisman object, worn as a pendant, was used during collective hunts, in order to alert one's team or dog to direct the prey towards a goal. The whistling sound was modulated using the lateral appendage. The success of the hunts was in fact ensured by specialists thanks to a wide diversity of ritual objects. The motif is the Kiwoyo mask among the Eastern Pende, or Giwoyo among those from the Center, which was generally worn as a cap over a soft hat. Originally associated with the deceased lying on his bed, this mask was associated with funeral rituals. Nowadays he participates in peaceful and festive ceremonies
Matte brown patina.
Height on base: 20 cm.
The Western Pende live on the banks of the Kwilu, while the Eastern have established themselves on the banks of the Kasai downstream of Tshikapa. The influences of neighboring ethnic groups, Mbla, Suku, Wongo, Leele, Kuba and Salempasu are imprinted on their large tribal art sculpture. Source: Kerchache, “African art”; "100 people of Zaire and their sculpture" M.L. Félix