Miniature mask "panya ngombe"
D. R. Congo, Pende, East
sold
EUR 1,800
Provenance
Galerie Exler, Frankfurt am Main, GermanyHans Dietrich Rielau, Hösbach, Germany (1979)
Size
H: 10,5 cm
H: 4.1 inch
Description
wood, polychrome paint, striking projecting ears, min. dam., small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
the “panya ngombe” mask type refers to the wild cow or buffalo, symbol of prestige and high rank. In shape of reliefs they decorate the lintels of dignitaries houses, indicating that its owner is of highest rank. The “panya ngombe” masks were used in context of circumcision rites.
Publications
Rielau, Hans Dietrich, Afrikanische Miniaturen, Norderstedt 2011, p. 21AHDRC: 0139702