Masque "mbuya" ·  R. D. Congo, Pende · ID: 3042383

Description

wood, matt patina, polychrome paint, ideal feminine physiognomy with “bedroom eyes”, wig with plaited coiffure, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (right side, ears), slight traces of abrasion, cracks, base;
simply called “the female mask” or “gambanda”, resp. “kambanda”. The male dancer wears beautiful and costly clothes, bracelets and anklets - he is dressed like a beautiful young girl liable to become the trophy wife of a high-status male. The female mask dances to the rhythms of comtemporary popular dances and performs little comedies with a mirror and comb to suggest her vanity and preoccupation with appearance.