The Pende also is known as the Phende people are an ethnic group in the south-western Democratic Republic of Congo. The Pende are divided into two cultural the Eastern Pende and the Western Pende, Kwilu and Kasai respectively. Pende masks are among the most dramatic works of all African art. The Pende masks appeared in ceremonies such as millet-planting and sowing celebrations, communal hunts, circumcision and initiation ritual, and the ritual of the enthronement of a chief. They were used to honour their ancestors and to thank them for their care. There are two styles: the western one of the Kwilu with its Mbuya mask characterized by a Somber, gloomy expression, and the Kasai style that is more geometric and colourful. Kasai masks are decorated with red and black triangles on a sienna background. This is a ‘Panya Ngombe’ mask which has a combination of a human and buffalo features. This type of mask comes from the Kasai Pende. These masks are decorated with incised triangular scarifications that are often painted with dark and light pigments to create a checkerboard effect. This mask would be hung above the door or window of a chief’s dwelling. It has a dark red patina and shows considerable age
- Material: Wood and Rafia
- Condition: Good
- Age: approx 50-60yrs
- Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
- SKU: LMSK-040
- Weight: 0.3 kg
- Dimensions: 17.6 x 15.5 x 10 cm