Mask "phumbu" ·  D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3032711

Description

wood, slightly encrusted blackish brown patina, tribe-typical facial features, remains of a raffia bonnet, crowned by three cone-like projections, pierced around the rim, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, on metal base;
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.

Comparing literature

Pende, Collection J. M. Desaive et Ch. Laeremans, Brüssel 2009, p. 43