Zemanek-Münster
Anthropomorphic mask "mbuya", D. R. Congo, Pende, Size: H: 46,5 cm (H: 18.3 inch), ID: 3048196
Anthropomorphic mask "mbuya", D. R. Congo, Pende, Size: H: 46,5 cm (H: 18.3 inch), ID: 3048196 - 2/5 Anthropomorphic mask "mbuya", D. R. Congo, Pende, Size: H: 46,5 cm (H: 18.3 inch), ID: 3048196 - 3/5 Anthropomorphic mask "mbuya", D. R. Congo, Pende, Size: H: 46,5 cm (H: 18.3 inch), ID: 3048196 - 4/5 Anthropomorphic mask "mbuya", D. R. Congo, Pende, Size: H: 46,5 cm (H: 18.3 inch), ID: 3048196 - 5/5
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Lot 339
97th Auction

Anthropomorphic mask "mbuya" ·  D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3048196

sold EUR 1,800
Provenance
Mia Blondeau, Antwerp, Belgium
Christie’s, Paris, 4 December 2008, Lot 185
Size
H: 46,5 cm
H: 18.3 inch

Description

wood, colour pigments, raffia fibre, base

The Pende use masks “muya” that appear at festivities to entertain the village community. They embody different characters of the Pende society and appear in a wide range of variations.

This mask could be an embodiment of the executioner “pumbu” or a chief’s mask “fumu”. Both mask types show a very similar physiognomy and both wear hairstyles with conical protruding prongs.

Publications

AHDRC: 0037496

Africa
Masks

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