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.

The object Mask “phumbu” with the object ID 3032711 was last part of the auction 69th tribal art auction at June 2, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 423.

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Comparing literature

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