Zemanek-Münster
Deformation mask "mbuya ya mbangu", D. R. Congo, Pende, Size: H: 31 cm (H: 12.2 inch), ID: 3052357
Deformation mask "mbuya ya mbangu", D. R. Congo, Pende, Size: H: 31 cm (H: 12.2 inch), ID: 3052357 - 2/5 Deformation mask "mbuya ya mbangu", D. R. Congo, Pende, Size: H: 31 cm (H: 12.2 inch), ID: 3052357 - 3/5 Deformation mask "mbuya ya mbangu", D. R. Congo, Pende, Size: H: 31 cm (H: 12.2 inch), ID: 3052357 - 4/5 Deformation mask "mbuya ya mbangu", D. R. Congo, Pende, Size: H: 31 cm (H: 12.2 inch), ID: 3052357 - 5/5
← / →
Lot 369
Auction 105

Deformation mask "mbuya ya mbangu" ·  D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3052357

Sold EUR 1,000
Provenance
Hans Dietrich Rielau, Hösbach, Germany
Size
H: 31 cm
H: 12.2 inch

Description

wood, pigments, plant fibre, handwritten collection label “263”, paint abrasion

The mask represents a face distorted by a paralysis of the facial nerve.

The Pende believe that the person in question is a victim of sorcery, bewitched by a rival who, out of jealousy, has inflicted a disease or deformity on him.

The object Deformation mask “mbuya ya mbangu” with the object ID 3052357 was last part of the auction Auction 105 at November 15, 2025 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 369 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,000.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.

Comparing literature

Herreman, Frank, To cure and protect, New York 1999, p. 20 f., 9-11

Africa
Masks

Subscribe to our newsletter

Join over 10,000 tribal art collectors. Don't miss out on upcoming news and auctions.

Subscribe today