Mask with horns ·  D. R. Congo, Pende, East · ID: 3034763

Description

wood, a small triangular facial plane, crowned by a pair of long horns tapering to a point, predominantly painted with red pigment with accents in white and black paint, slightly dam., minor missing parts through insect caused damage, abrasion, metal socle;
presumably belonging to the “munyangi” mask type. They are worn as visors, away from the face starting from the forehead, freeing the nose and the eyes. They are doted with an imposing headdress which enables the small mask to be fitted on the forehead of the dancer. All these masks are linked to the chief’s power.

Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brüssel 1987, p. 141, ill. 4