SUMAS Permanent Collection

Pende Mask Pende masks, from the Pende people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are highly stylized and symbolic, often used in rituals and ceremonies. They are known for their dramatic realism, particularly in depicting male and female characters, and for their role in initiation rites. Diversity of Styles: Pende masks are diverse, with different styles representing various characters and roles within ceremonies. Initiation and Rituals: Many Pende masks are associated with initiation rituals, particularly the circumcision of young boys, where they symbolize the transition to adulthood. Gender and Character: Pende masks often depict gender roles, with female masks featuring a more horizontal mouth and softer features, while male masks may have a protuberant forehead and upturned nose. "Mbuya" Masks: A prominent type of Pende mask is the "mbuya" (western Pende), which can depict various characters like chiefs, diviners, and even prostitutes. ...

   Kongo Nkisi Kozo Dog A Kongo Nkisi Kozo dog is a type of power figure, or nkisi, that takes the form of a dog. These fetishes, often double-headed, were believed to possess supernatural powers and were used for various purposes, including mediation between the living and the dead, resolving conflicts, and punishing wrongdoers. They were activated through rituals and were believed to be capable of seeing beyond the physical world. Key Characteristics of Kongo Nkisi Kozo Dogs: Double-headed: Many Kongo Nkisi Kozo dogs are depicted with two heads, representing their ability to see both the spirit world and the human world. Nails and libations: The back of the figure is often covered with nails and libations, which were believed to further enhance the power of the fetish. Medicinal ingredients: The figure may contain medicinal ingredients packed in resin, placed within a box on the back, further enhancing its powers. Provocation: To activate the figure, it was...

  Dogon Granary Door Dogon granary doors are intricately carved, wooden doors that adorned granaries, serving both functional and symbolic purposes for the Dogon people of Mali. These doors, often depicting ancestor figures or spiritual beings, protected the food storage and represented the Dogon's connection to the spiritual world and the importance of fertility and agriculture. Function and Symbolism: Protection: The doors, especially those with ancestor figures or Kanaga masks, were believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the stored grain from harm. Status: The complexity and elaborateness of a door's design often reflected the status of the family it protected. Ancestral Connection: The carved figures, particularly those representing ancestors, symbolized the Dogon's lineage and the importance of honoring their ancestors. Fertility and Agriculture: The presence of Kanaga masks and bird motifs, which are associated with fertility, highlighted the Do...

Dogon Royal Pot   Dogon royal pots, also referred to as ritual containers, are significant artifacts within the Dogon culture of Mali, West Africa. Here's a summary of their key aspects: 1. Function and Purpose: Ritual Offerings: Primarily used during the annual harvest rituals, specifically the goru ceremony held around the winter solstice. Ancestral Veneration: These pots serve as receptacles for offerings of gratitude to ancestors and Amma, the creator god. "Ark of the World": Dogon people call the monumental container the aduno koro, translating to "ark of the world", signifying its importance in their cosmology and ritual practices. 2. Significance and Symbolism: Connecting with the Spiritual World: The pots are believed to be a link between the living and spiritual realms. Representing Abundance: The goru ritual, where the pots are used, emphasizes humidity, richness, and abundance, seen as blessings from the spiritual world. Depictions o...

  A Senufo rhythm pounder, also known as a deble, is a carved figure used by the Senufo people of West Africa, specifically in ceremonies and initiations. These figures are pounded on the ground to create a rhythmic beat for dancers and to honor ancestors. They are typically male or female figures, often with stylized features and ornamentation. Use:   Used in various ceremonies, including funerary rites, initiations, and commemorative events. Symbolism:   Represent idealized female beauty, ancestors, and fertility. Ritual Significance:  Ritually purified pathways for the deceased and called ancestral spirits. Material:  Carved from wood, often with detailed carving and patination. Design : Often feature elongated figures, stylized features, and ornamentation like body scarification. Pounding:  Carried by the arms and pounded on the ground to create a rhythm for dancers.           The Senufo are a West African ...

  DAN ceremonial ladles, also known as wunkirmian or wakemia, are large wooden ladles carved by Dan artists in Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire. These ladles are awarded to women who are known for their exceptional generosity, hospitality, and cooking skills, and serve as symbols of status and spiritual power. Symbol of Status and Power: The ladle is a badge of prestige, recognizing the woman's generosity and her position as a host in the village. Spiritual Significance: The ladles are believed to embody a spiritual force, sustaining the wunkirle's ability to organize feasts and pass down the honor. Practical Use: The large bowl of the ladle is a literal representation of the generous amounts of food, particularly rice, given in hospitality. Carving and Design: The ladles are carved from a single piece of wood, often with a female figure on the handle, highlighting the woman's role as nurturer and provider. Wunkirle: The woman who receives the ladle, known as...

  Bwa masks, crafted by the Bwa people of Burkina Faso, are primarily known for their large, wooden plank masks, often representing animal spirits or nature spirits. These masks are used in various ceremonies and dances, symbolizing the connection between the Bwa people and the spiritual world. Types of Bwa Masks: Plank Masks: These are large, vertical masks with a disc-like base, often depicting animals like buffalo, monkeys, or butterflies. Leaf Masks: Less common than plank masks, leaf masks are made from wild plant leaves and represent nature and wilderness. Other Masks: The Bwa also create horizontal and heterogenous masks, which can have ovoid heads and depict various spirits, animals, or even human figures. Symbolism and Usage: Animal Spirits: Bwa masks often represent powerful spirits of nature, such as animals, insects, or water dwellers. Ceremonial Use: Masks are used in ceremonies like initiations, burials, annual renewal rites, and celebrations o...

    Baule Kple-Kple Mask The Baoulé Kple-Kple mask, a flat, circular mask with horns and stylized features, is a junior mask in the Baule Goli dance, worn by young boys and used in rituals celebrating harvests, honoring visitors, or commemorating notable figures. It's part of a sequence of mask types, with male and female pairs, and is notable for its abstract, geometric design, which reflects the influence of the neighboring Wan peoples. Origin and Purpose: The Kple-Kple mask, originating in the Guro region of Côte d'Ivoire, is a Baule mask used in the Goli dance, a performance that serves as entertainment and is performed at funerals of important men. Appearance: The mask is characterized by its flat, circular shape, surmounted by horns, projecting round eyes, and a rectangular mouth. It is often painted red for the male mask and black for the female mask. Gender and Symbolism: The Baule differentiate gender through color, with red typically designating the male ...

  Chokwe Chair Chokwe chairs, also known as ngundja, are ceremonial seats of authority that were inspired by European chairs introduced to Central Africa by Portuguese traders. They are not carved from a single piece of wood like traditional African art, but rather assembled from separate pieces Inspiration and Construction: The chairs were modeled after European chairs brought to the region by Portuguese traders. They are not carved from a single piece of wood, unlike traditional African carving techniques. Instead, they are assembled from separate pieces of wood, a characteristic of European joinery. Symbolism and Iconography: Chokwe chairs are powerful symbols of authority, reflecting the social hierarchy and spiritual beliefs of the Chokwe people. The chair's back often features representations of Chokwe chiefs in royal headdresses, as well as scenes of initiation and masquerades. Figures and vignettes on the rungs depict daily life, ritual events, and the social or...