Deformation mask "mbangu" · D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3043835
Wolf-Bernard Müller, Krefeld, Germany
Description
wood, pigment, raffia bast,
This mask represents a highly regarded hunter who has been stricken with facial paralysis. The black and white painting refers to the scars of someone who fell into fire due to epilepsy or some other medical condition.
“Mbangu” demonstrates how even the most esteemed and upright member of the community can unexpectedly be afflicted with sickness. In this case, the Pende believe that the individual is a victim of sorcery, bewitched by a rival who jealously inflicted him with disease.
The object Deformation mask “mbangu” with the object ID 3043835 was last part of the auction 89th Tribal Art Auction at July 7, 2018 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 435.
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Comparing literature
Herreman, Frank, To cure and protect, New York 1999, p. 20 f.