Object Details
- Label Text
- This ivory pendant is a miniature version of a type of mask used in initiation retreats. These pendants were also made of wood, bone and palm nut. However, today they are also made of aluminum. Worn around the neck, they function as protective and healing devices.
- Description
- Ivory face form pendant with three-horn hairstyle, incised continuous brow and fan-shaped beard. The eyes appear to be closed and the nose is triangular with coffee bean mouth.
- Provenance
- Eliot Elisofon, New York, before 1958 to 1973
- Published References
- Elisofon, Eliot. 1958. The Sculpture of Africa. New York: Praeger, p. 160, no. 201.
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Pende artist
- Date
- Mid-20th century
- Credit Line
- Bequest of Eliot Elisofon
- Medium
- Ivory
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 6.4 × 3.8 × 1.9 cm (2 1/2 × 1 1/2 × 3/4 in.)
- Type
- Jewelry
