African Arts Gallery

African Pende Mbangu "disease" masks, also known as Bwala-Bwala, are exaggerated depictions of the symptoms of illnesses such as epilepsy or facial paralysis, often associated with practices of witchcraft. These comedy masks are worn by dancers wearing hats decorated with guinea fowl, coucal or turaco feathers, and sometimes even lumbandu, a crown of leaves. They often have a hump on the back, thus accentuating the disabled aspect of the character. Pende masks, originating from the upper Kwango region, are characterized by an angled nose and distorted mouth, as well as areas of contrasting colors. Their semi-matte patina is typical of their style.
The Western Pende are established along the banks of the Kwilu, while the Eastern Pende settled along the banks of the Kasai downstream of Tshikapa. Their rich artistic tradition is influenced by neighboring ethnic groups such as the Mbla, Suku, Wongo, Leele, Kuba and Salempasu. Among this diversity, Mbuya masks, made every ten years, have a festive function and represent a variety of characters, including the fumu or ufumu chief, the soothsayer and his wife, the prostitute, the tundu jester, the possessed, etc.