Mask "kindombolo" ·  D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3034077

Description

wood, encrusted patina, polychrome paint, oval form with elongated chin and thorn-like protruding forehead, drilled holes underneath the eyes, pierced around the rim, min. dam., small missing parts, cracks, traces of abrasion, on metal base;
representation of the “sly one” or the “trickster”, reminiscent of the “tundu” character of the western Pende. The perforations seen on the cheeks probably are imitative of scarring consequent to smallpox.

Comparing literature

Pende, Collection J. M. Desaive et Ch. Laeremans, Brüssel 2009, p. 48