Mask "phumbu" ·  R. D. Congo, Pende · ID: 3037644

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.