Mask "fumu" or "pumbu" · D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3045328
Description
wood, pigments, raffia bast, cloth, base
The “pumbu” mask type represents the executioner. During the masked representation, he brandishes a huge double sided knife, formerly used for executions. He simulated anger tantrums and threatens the spectators.
“Fumu” represents the “Chief” and is used during dances, which are supposed to amuse the village. The demeanor of “fumu” is slow and solemn, he holds a fly-catcher and a parasol and is sometimes accompanied by his wife.
Both types of mask are difficult to distinguish. Both wear hairstyles with conically protruding scoops.
The object Mask “fumu” or “pumbu” with the object ID 3045328 was last part of the auction 91 Tribal Art Auction at March 9, 2019 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 343 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,200.
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