Head of Alunga
Maker
Zaire
Maker
Bembe
Label TextFour enormous white eyes scan in two directions on this mask. When outfitted for an appearance, porcupine quills form a crown, and a long fiber costume offers concealment. Alert pupils project out to remind viewers that Alunga's ancient spirit is endowed with superhuman vision and wanders freely to speak up about his concerns. Adopting a raucous voice, the spirit sings in a disguised manner that sends shivers through the audience.
Object number81.17.791
Provenance[Tribal Arts, London, England]; purchased from gallery by Katherine White (1929-1980), Seattle, Washington, 1978; bequeathed to Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 1981
Credit LineGift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company
Dimensions16 15/16 in. (43 cm)
Diam.: 13 1/16 in.
MediumWood, pigment
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