African Arts Gallery

Pende Giwoyo Mask, Kiwoyo (N° 18344)

Called Kiwoyo at the East Pende, Giwoyo ch those of the Centre, this African mask still endowed with his hairstyle and extended with a chin strap was worn in a cap over a soft hat, tumba . Most of the masks of the Central Pende, sculpted by the dancers, were worn tilted on the forehead, to be seen in profile. Originally associated with the deceased lying on his diaper, this mask was associated with funeral rituals. Nowadays he participates in peaceful and festive ceremonies. The spendents live on the banks of the Kwilu, while the have settled on the banks of the Kasai river downstream of Tshikapa. The influences of the neighbouring ethnic groups, Mbla, Suku, Wongo, Leele, Kuba and Salempasu, were imprinted on their large tribal art sculpture. Within this diversity the masks Mbuya, realistic, produced every ten years, have a festive function, and embody different characters, including the chef, the soothsayer and his wife, the prostitute, the possessed, etc. The masks of initiation and those of power, the minganji, represent the ancestors and occur successively during the same ceremonies, agricultural festivals, initiation rituals and circumcision mukanda, induction of the chief. Governed by heads of family, the jogo, priestly Pend undergo different initiations that prepare them for adult life, including circumcision. Their sculptures, intended to come into contact with the ancestors, are stored in a room or house adjoining that of the chief.
Source: Kerchache, Top on stand: 54 cm.  

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120.00 € 
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Origin	ex-collection Ghisolfi
Ethny	Pende
Country	rdc ex zaire
Material(s)	wood, raphia
Height	34
Width	15
Weight	0.40 Kg
Estimated dating	mid-xx°
Socle included	Yes

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