Pende Mbuya Mask
€330.00
Anthropomorphic mask attributed to the Pende, a people living primarily in southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Masks known as Mbuya belong to a broad repertoire of characters associated with the mukanda, the male initiation cycle involving circumcision, a period of seclusion and the eventual return of initiates to the community. Such masks notably appeared during ceremonies marking the conclusion of initiation and could embody a wide variety of social and symbolic characters. Some were deliberately expressive or exaggerated, allowing masquerades to convey moral lessons, provoke laughter and address relationships between the living, ancestors and the invisible world.
This example has a particularly forceful expression, with heavy projecting eyelids, an open mouth exposing carved teeth and triangular scarification-like motifs on the cheeks. Its deep brown-black patina reinforces the sculptural character of the face. Perforations around the edge were probably intended for attaching fibres, textile or other elements forming part of the complete masquerade costume.
Mbuya masks generally represented ritual character types rather than specific individuals, their full meaning emerging through dance, music and costume during performance.
The custom-made metal display stand is included free of charge.
Shipping fees
02793
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1970
- Size
- 22 cm (33 cm with support)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Gathered in situ
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Very good
You might also like
Anthropomorphic mask attributed to the Pende, a people living primarily in southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Masks known as Mbuya belong to a broad repertoire of characters associated with the mukanda, the male initiation cycle involving circumcision, a period of seclusion and the eventual return of initiates to the community. Such masks notably appeared during ceremonies marking the conclusion of initiation and could embody a wide variety of social and symbolic characters. Some were deliberately expressive or exaggerated, allowing masquerades to convey moral lessons, provoke laughter and address relationships between the living, ancestors and the invisible world.
This example has a particularly forceful expression, with heavy projecting eyelids, an open mouth exposing carved teeth and triangular scarification-like motifs on the cheeks. Its deep brown-black patina reinforces the sculptural character of the face. Perforations around the edge were probably intended for attaching fibres, textile or other elements forming part of the complete masquerade costume.
Mbuya masks generally represented ritual character types rather than specific individuals, their full meaning emerging through dance, music and costume during performance.
The custom-made metal display stand is included free of charge.