African Arts Gallery

The African mask inspired by the panya ngombe style is closely linked, according to the Pende, to the symbolism of the wild buffalo. The most imposing examples were designed to adorn the spaces reserved for the chief in the hut. Triangular in shape, this mask has stretched eyelids and inclined ears which accentuate its "V" appearance. Triangular decorative motifs appear as a distinct recurrence in the creations sculpted by Pende artists. Matte dark patina, abrasions. Height on base: 30 cm.
The Western Pende live on the banks of the Kwilu, while the Easterners have established themselves on the banks of the Kasai downstream of Tshikapa. The influences of neighboring ethnic groups, Mbla, Suku, Wongo, Leele, Kuba and Salempasu are imprinted on their large tribal art sculpture. Within this diversity, the Mbuya masks produced every ten years, have a festive function, and embody different characters, including the fumu or ufumu chief. >, the soothsayer and his wife, the prostitute, the jester, tundu, the possessed, etc... The Mbuya initiation masks linked to the mukanda initiation and those of power, the minganji, represent the ancestors and occur successively during the same ceremonies, agricultural festivals, mukanda initiation and circumcision rituals, and enthronement of the chief.