Mbuya Pende mask
Pende masks and European artists
This African mask belonging to the Mbuya people, Pende, belongs to the Katundu style.
In African Pende art, many village characters are represented by traditional ceremonial masks, all different. They are worn by dancers, wearing costumes made of raffia and bells that allow them to perform movements with a certain rhythm or cadence thanks to the sound generated.
Traditionally, African mbuya masks such as this one were danced during the mukanda, the initiation of young men from puberty to adulthood. Today, these masks still dance, but they are desecrated and brought out for secular village festivities. The masked dances of the Bapende are a true comedy played in several acts.
01740
Data sheet
- Size
- 25 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, raphia
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Pende masks and European artists
This African mask belonging to the Mbuya people, Pende, belongs to the Katundu style.
In African Pende art, many village characters are represented by traditional ceremonial masks, all different. They are worn by dancers, wearing costumes made of raffia and bells that allow them to perform movements with a certain rhythm or cadence thanks to the sound generated.
Traditionally, African mbuya masks such as this one were danced during the mukanda, the initiation of young men from puberty to adulthood. Today, these masks still dance, but they are desecrated and brought out for secular village festivities. The masked dances of the Bapende are a true comedy played in several acts.