Mask "kindombolo" ·  D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3039460

Description

light weighted wood, red and yellow ochre, black and white pigment, the area below the eyes coated with small drilled holes with painted white dots inbetween, slightly dam. (nose), abrasion of paint, traces of usage backside at the rim;
the “kindombolo” masks represent a person suffering from smallpox and who consequently has lost all sensbility to physical danger and all respect for social taboos. Called “cruel” because he carries a whip, “kindombolo” maintains order on the dance floor but delights in outlandish and vulgar surprises.

The object Mask “kindombolo” with the object ID 3039460 was last part of the auction 81st Tribal Art Auction at October 31, 2015 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 482 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,000.

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Comparing literature

Strother, Z.S., Pende, Mailand 2008, pl. 1