Beautiful old mask "pumbu" or "fumu"" · D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3046991
Sothebys, London (pre 1980)
Description
wood, pigments, raffia bast and cloth,
The Pende distinguish between ritual masks used for initiations, called “mingangii”, and dance masks “mbuya”, which appear at festivities to entertain the village community. They embody different characters or role models of the Pende society and appear in a wide range of variations.
The identification of a specific mask character depends largeley on aspects of the costume, including the headdress and acessories, and the choreography of the dance. Taken out of the ritual context, the exact type of a mask can therefore no longer be clearly determined.
This mask probably belongs to the “pumbu” mask type, which represents the executioner. The upper lip of “pumbus” large mouth rises in what Pende interpret as an expression of anger; he is already to bellow with rage.
During the masked representation, he brandishes a huge double sided knife, formerly used for executions. He simulated anger tantrums and threatens the spectators.
Comparing literature
Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 329 Strother, Z.S., Pende, Mailand 2008, Pl. 20
Publications
AHDRC: 0037466