Mbuya Pende mask
€550.00
Pende Mbuya the African ritual masks
The typology of the Mbuya, the masks all have in common a geometrisation of the forms, a triangular face, a more or less snub nose, prominent eyebrows, sometimes continuous over the whole width of the face, and are above all composed of imposing headdresses or braids of vegetable fibres standing on the top of the head.
This one is a particularly old and successful example. It comes from the private collection of Allan Ridel, one of the greatest collectors of African weapons and creator of the African memory database. The general expression of the face is incredible, as is the patina or pigmentation.
Each mask has a specific dance and shows the different social categories (the chief, the diviner, the bewitched, the prostitute...).
Among the Pende, when a mask is created, what counts above all is the song. Once the lyrics and music have been created, the future wearer of the mask creates the costume and then goes to see the sculptor and orders the wooden mask. Finally, he develops a choreography corresponding to the character.
The masked dancer wears a costume made of raffia, ankles decorated with bells that allow him to execute movements with a certain rhythm or cadence thanks to the sound generated.
Stylistically, the best known masks come from Katundu: the convex and triangular face is divided by a V-shaped eyebrow line integrated into a heart-shaped depression; the heavy eyelids are drooping; the nose is blunt and sometimes slightly turned up; finally, the mouth, whose corners pull downwards, has cut teeth.
Traditionally, African Mbuya masks such as this one were danced during the mukanda, the initiation that leads young men from puberty to adulthood. Today, these masks still dance but are desecrated and brought out for secular village festivities. The masked dances of the Bapende are a true comedy played in several acts.
02401
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 48 cm (total height)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Origin
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Pende Mbuya the African ritual masks
The typology of the Mbuya, the masks all have in common a geometrisation of the forms, a triangular face, a more or less snub nose, prominent eyebrows, sometimes continuous over the whole width of the face, and are above all composed of imposing headdresses or braids of vegetable fibres standing on the top of the head.
This one is a particularly old and successful example. It comes from the private collection of Allan Ridel, one of the greatest collectors of African weapons and creator of the African memory database. The general expression of the face is incredible, as is the patina or pigmentation.
Each mask has a specific dance and shows the different social categories (the chief, the diviner, the bewitched, the prostitute...).
Among the Pende, when a mask is created, what counts above all is the song. Once the lyrics and music have been created, the future wearer of the mask creates the costume and then goes to see the sculptor and orders the wooden mask. Finally, he develops a choreography corresponding to the character.
The masked dancer wears a costume made of raffia, ankles decorated with bells that allow him to execute movements with a certain rhythm or cadence thanks to the sound generated.
Stylistically, the best known masks come from Katundu: the convex and triangular face is divided by a V-shaped eyebrow line integrated into a heart-shaped depression; the heavy eyelids are drooping; the nose is blunt and sometimes slightly turned up; finally, the mouth, whose corners pull downwards, has cut teeth.
Traditionally, African Mbuya masks such as this one were danced during the mukanda, the initiation that leads young men from puberty to adulthood. Today, these masks still dance but are desecrated and brought out for secular village festivities. The masked dances of the Bapende are a true comedy played in several acts.