The Western Pende live in western Congo. The Eastern Pende also exist, however they migrated to the eastern Congo in the 17th century. They have a different artistic style. The Western Pende have large, theatrical dances that are performed during the initiation feats of young men. For these they have 15 different mask types that represent various characters, such as chieftains, women, old men (see also cat. no. 94), invalids, jesters etc. These different types are known as ‘mbuya masks’.
The present ‘mbuya mask’ could be impersonated by a woman. The mask is carved from hard, brown wood and coloured dark brown and white on the front side. It is trimmed with a delicate fabric made from raffia, along with a conical point on the top of the head. It has a hairstyle made from black-dyed plant fibres.
The mask face shows all the characteristic features of a Pende ‘mbuya mask’: the wide, forward protruding forehead is decorated with a round scarification mark on this mask. The eyebrow arches reach horizontally across the entire face. The eyes that lie below with their accentuated ‘hanging’ lids show the typical ‘bedroom eyes’ of the Pende masks. It has small ears, a small upward curving nose and two characteristic scarification marks on each wide cheek. The open mouth above the narrow, pointed chin displays rows of pointed teeth. The hairline, the inner ear, the tattoos on the cheeks and the teeth were all originally coloured in white (by means of kaolin). This is a very typical piece in perfect condition, with a good, shiny patina on the front and shiny areas on the inside due to protracted use. No damage. Height: c. 40 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Austrian Private Collection.

Lit.:
'Pende' by Z. S. Strother, ill. 15, 16, 24, 25, 26.