Mask "phumbu" · D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3032270
René David, Zurich, Switzerland (1983)
Eduard Hess, Oberwil, Switzerland
Description
wood, polychrome paint, raffia bonnet with four cone-like projections, min. dam., traces of abrasion;
present mask represents a chief and was used during masquerades supposed to entertain the village inhabitants. When the “phumbu” mask appeared, it was frequently accompanied by an assistant wearing a “tundu” mask. His task was to find a good seat for the chief with the best possible view.
The object Mask “phumbu” with the object ID 3032270 was last part of the auction 75th tribal art auction at November 30, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 137.
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Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brüssel 1987, p. 143, ill. 7