Pende Mbangu Deformity Mask Wood Pigments African Art

Description

Title
Pende Mbangu Deformity Mask Wood Pigments African Art
Type of Object
Mask
Country of Origin
Democratic Republic of Congo
People
Pende
Materials
Wood, pigment
Approximate Age
20th century
Height (in)
13
Width (in)
8
Depth (in)
6
Overall Condition
Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.
Damage/Repair
Small cracks on back edges
Additional Information:
This captivating mask with a deformed face is attributed to the Pende. Masks with vigorously carved and twisted features represent individuals who have suffered epileptic seizures. Known as Mbangu these masks show the moment of seizure when the Pende believe that the gods possessed the individual.  This particular example is equipped with a custom base for immediate display.
The Pende are known for their numerous artistic forms ranging from house decorations, figural sculptures, numerous carved ivory pendants, and a wide variety of masks. It is to masks from the Kwilu region that the association to Pende is made. Figures among the pende are not noted as often as the masks and when identified are known as ancestor figures or maternity figures placed on the roofs of chief’s houses other female figures are placed near the doorway. This is further complicated by traditions of figural sculptural usage varies among the Pende divided into Eastern and Western groups. However the deeply sculpted face with its extraordinary near cubist like carving of the nose, eyes and ears is the product of a Pende western carver.
**134495**
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