Mask "mbuya" ·  D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3032654

Description

wood, brown patina, kaolin, black paint, traces of camwood powder, forehead scarifications, plug on the head, chin projection with diamond-shaped patterns, interpreted as beard “mvevu”, representing a symbol for authority and wisdom of the ancestors, numbered backside “3” , slightly dam., scratches, paint rubbed off;
present mask represents one of the most significant and oldest mask types from over 20 different mbuya mask figures of the Pende: “giwoyo”, “muyombo” or “ginjinga”, which can be only identified by the costume or head ornament they wear, the paraphernalia which were attached, or the dances they perform. The three mask types appear on occasion of rites for good harvest and hunting, during circumcision rites for young boys and on various festive occasions.