Miniature mask "panya ngombe" · D. R. Congo, Pende, East · ID: 3041555
Hans Dietrich Rielau, Hösbach, Germany (1979)
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.
The object Miniature mask “panya ngombe” with the object ID 3041555 was part of the auction 85th Tribal Art Auction on March 4, 2017. The object with the lot number 94 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,800 with an asking price of EUR 800.
You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Publications
Rielau, Hans Dietrich, Afrikanische Miniaturen, Norderstedt 2011, p. 21
AHDRC: 0139702