Mask "phumbu"
D. R. Congo, Pende
not available anymore
Provenance
German Private Collection, MunichSize
H: 44 cm
H: 17.3 inch
Description
wood, polychrome paint, crowned by four cone-like projections of raffia bast, remains of a plant fibre bonnet, pierced around the rim, min. dam.,min. dam., 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.