This fine Pende 'Kipoko' mask, carved from a semi dense wood and decorated with natural pigments, exhibits an exaggerated nose, slit eyes and ears that point backwards, all features to convey the ideal 'sensory hyperactivity' of the chief (Kipoko), so that he may know everything that happens in his community. The comparatively diminutive mouth delivers a lesson on how a chief (kipkoko) should behave - being slow to speak, 'lest hasty words render a bad situation worse'. There is an early traditional restoration of woven wicker strands present around the collar of the mask, as seen in the photographs.
Ex Private Collection, UK
Estimated Period: 1st Half 20th Century Cira 1940's - 50's
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