Mask "panya ngombe" ·  D. R. Congo, Pende, East · ID: 3034766

Description

wood, polychrome paint, narrowl slit eyes, pointed ears, beard of raphia fibres, pierced around the rim, slight traces of abrasion, metal socle;
the “panya ngombe” mask type makes reference to the wild cow or buffalo, symbol of prestige and high rank. The rarity of this mask type is perhaps attributable to the fact that circumcision - the ritual to which it had originally been closely allied - has not been carried out within the scope of the initiation since the 1930’s. The mask is, however, still reflected in high-relief in the lintel to the door of the chief’s house. In such cases this sign indicates that the owner belongs to the highest class of chiefs.

Comparing literature

Herreman, Frank, Petridis, Constantijn (ed.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 77