A very ancient and expressive soko mutu or mwisi gwa so' o's mask, a stylization of a chimpanzee's face, was not a priori used for dancing, according to F. Neyt, but ensured family protection and fertility. The Hemba refer to the "mujimu" spirits, both those of nature and those of the ancestors to whom they devote an essential cult. The soko mutu or so'o simian mask, which thus seems to embody a protective spirit, nevertheless served (according to Blakely 1987) as a "guardrail", appearing frightening to children and women during rituals or funeral ceremonies, then showing itself almost domesticated and calm during mourning ceremonies, it is a must-have in the pantheon of ancient Hemba arts. See : Utotombo, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels, 1988, p. 306, lg. 233 Hemba, Democratic Republic of the Congo Wood, minor wear, fine oxidation of the wood and very fine old patina. H. 17.5 cm Provenance : Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels David Henrion Collection, Brussels