Sickness Mbuya Mbangu mask - Pende - Congo
African mask Mbuya "Mbangu" said "disease" in the art Pende
This type of traditional African mask called "disease" can illustrate epileptics or lunatics. They are called Mbangu. They are part of Mbuya masks and have a satirical sense.These faces with deformed features are sometimes characterized by a contrast between black and white pigments. Here we observe the presence of one side brighter than the other. White represents the spirits of death, and black is a symbol of infirmities and diseases. The dancer's behavior and props complete the illusion of masked dancing.
Origin : private collection, BelgiumDating : 1970Material : wood
00422
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
African mask Mbuya "Mbangu" said "disease" in the art Pende
This type of traditional African mask called "disease" can illustrate epileptics or lunatics. They are called Mbangu. They are part of Mbuya masks and have a satirical sense.These faces with deformed features are sometimes characterized by a contrast between black and white pigments. Here we observe the presence of one side brighter than the other. White represents the spirits of death, and black is a symbol of infirmities and diseases. The dancer's behavior and props complete the illusion of masked dancing.
Origin : private collection, BelgiumDating : 1970Material : wood