Pende Mbangu mask - SOLD OUT
African art has always been a source of inspiration for Western artists. Pende masks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo participated greatly. The African mask here is a mask called "disease" called Mbangu. We can easily recognize it by its distorted features, its asymmetry, but also by the recurrent use of very distinct tones on each half of the face.
The Mbangu mask actually represents epilepsy or dementia. It is part of the Mbuya masks and has, like the other traditional Pende masks, a satirical sense.
The white here translates the link with the spirits of death, and the black symbolizes illnesses and infirmities. These two opposite halves also illustrate the struggle between good and evil. The dancer's behavior, facial expressions and accessories then complete the illusion.
00860
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1950
- Size
- 26 x 15 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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African art has always been a source of inspiration for Western artists. Pende masks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo participated greatly. The African mask here is a mask called "disease" called Mbangu. We can easily recognize it by its distorted features, its asymmetry, but also by the recurrent use of very distinct tones on each half of the face.
The Mbangu mask actually represents epilepsy or dementia. It is part of the Mbuya masks and has, like the other traditional Pende masks, a satirical sense.
The white here translates the link with the spirits of death, and the black symbolizes illnesses and infirmities. These two opposite halves also illustrate the struggle between good and evil. The dancer's behavior, facial expressions and accessories then complete the illusion.