Pende Kipoko Mask
Pende art and artistic traditions
The Western Pende used about fifteen different types of masks during their ceremonies. These masks with prominent noses come from sculptors living on the left bank of the Kwilu who created Giphogo helmets whose function was similar to that of the Phumbu. They are worn by dancers during initiation ceremonies, the mask has half-closed eyes, an elongated chin and is framed by a geometric decoration incised and coloured with white and black pigments.
01752
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1960
- Size
- 28 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
Pende art and artistic traditions
The Western Pende used about fifteen different types of masks during their ceremonies. These masks with prominent noses come from sculptors living on the left bank of the Kwilu who created Giphogo helmets whose function was similar to that of the Phumbu. They are worn by dancers during initiation ceremonies, the mask has half-closed eyes, an elongated chin and is framed by a geometric decoration incised and coloured with white and black pigments.