Mbuya Pende mask
Would modern art have been born without Picasso's passion for primitive art?
Exceptional Mbuya Pende mask with rare and sought-after characteristics. We notice clan marks on the forehead, nose and cheeks, not insignificant when we know that the function of the sculptor in the first part of the 20th century was transmitted from father to son, the ancestors are honoured by masked festivals. This Mbuya mask has large, heavy eyelids and a wide, strongly blunt nose, which is reminiscent of the facial deformity of certain types of masks from this region, where the colour black is associated with symbols of illness and infirmity.
The Western view of this type of first generation ancient production obviously diverges from the African perception and it is not surprising that the plasticity of these masks is often associated with the works of Pablo Picasso at the very beginning of Cubism.
Technically, the work is in remarkable condition, with dry wood, a deep patina and definite traces of use. The shade of patina on the top of the head shows that a traditional headdress was attached for a long time, or, the holes were used to attach it.
The mask will be sold on its customised base.
01459
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 28 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- François C. Bazelaire, painter and sculptor, Bruxelles
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Would modern art have been born without Picasso's passion for primitive art?
Exceptional Mbuya Pende mask with rare and sought-after characteristics. We notice clan marks on the forehead, nose and cheeks, not insignificant when we know that the function of the sculptor in the first part of the 20th century was transmitted from father to son, the ancestors are honoured by masked festivals. This Mbuya mask has large, heavy eyelids and a wide, strongly blunt nose, which is reminiscent of the facial deformity of certain types of masks from this region, where the colour black is associated with symbols of illness and infirmity.
The Western view of this type of first generation ancient production obviously diverges from the African perception and it is not surprising that the plasticity of these masks is often associated with the works of Pablo Picasso at the very beginning of Cubism.
Technically, the work is in remarkable condition, with dry wood, a deep patina and definite traces of use. The shade of patina on the top of the head shows that a traditional headdress was attached for a long time, or, the holes were used to attach it.
The mask will be sold on its customised base.