African Arts Gallery

Differentiating somewhat from the Kiwoyo of the Eastern Pende, from the Giwoyo among those of the Centre, this narrow mask named Muyombo, topped with woven raffia, is extended by a shorter chin strap. He wore a cap over a soft hat, tumba. Headdress damaged.
Most of the Central Pende masks, carved by the dancers, were worn tilted on the forehead, to be contemplated in profile. Originally associated with the deceased lying on his bed, this mask was associated with funeral rituals. Nowadays he participates in peaceful and festive ceremonies. The Western Pende live on the banks of the Kwilu, while the Eastern settled on the banks of the Kasaï downstream from Tshikapa. The influences of neighboring ethnic groups, Mbla, Suku, Wongo, Leele, Kuba and Salempasu imprinted on their large tribal art sculpture. The masks of initiation and those of power, the minganji, represent the ancestors and occur successively during the same ceremonies, agricultural festivals, rituals of initiation and circumcision mukanda , enthronement of the chef.