Anthropomorphic mask "mbuya"
D. R. Congo, Pende
sold
EUR 1,800
Provenance
Mia Blondeau, Antwerp, BelgiumChristie’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