African Arts Gallery

African mask known as Minyangi , a smaller version of the giphogo , marking the right to receive fees from subordinate chiefs following circumcision rituals. This mask became flatter over time to fit the door of the chieftaincy hut. The protrusions at the top do not represent horns, but symbolize the arms of the chief. Matt polychrome patina. Slightly missing.
The Western Pende live on the banks of the Kwilu, while the Eastern have settled on the banks of the Kasai downstream from Tshikapa. The influences of the neighboring ethnic groups, Mbla, Suku, Wongo, Leele, Kuba, and Salempasu have been imprinted on their extensive tribal art sculpture. Within this diversity, the realistic Mbuya masks, produced every ten years, have a festive function, and embody different characters, including the chief, the diviner and his wife, the prostitute, the possessed, etc... The masks of initiation and those of power, the minganji, represent the ancestors and are produced successively during the same ceremonies, agricultural festivals, rituals of initiation and circumcision mukanda, enthronement of the chief.