Face mask "minyangi" · D. R. Congo, Pende Kasai, Pende (East) · ID: 3032311
Eduard Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Description
wood, painted in red, darkened kaolin, arching brows, nose bridge and triangular tattoos accentuated with kaolin, slightly dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (above all backside);
present mask type is completed by an abundant grass fibre beard and feather ornaments. According to F. Neyt the medicine man “nganga” orders the masquerade of the “minyangi” masks in case of virulent illnesses or repeated abortion. It is worn by woman from the chiefs house.
The object Face mask “minyangi” with the object ID 3032311 was part of the auction 68th tribal art auction on March 3, 2012. The object with the lot number 239 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,000 with an asking price of EUR 900.
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Comparing literature
Sousberghe, L., L' Art Pende, o.O. 1958, ill. 72 f.