The tribe of the Pende people is today divided between western and eastern Pende. In the 17th century, a large group of the Pende people migrated from south-west into south-east Congo and lives today on the banks of the Kwilu River. There, the eastern Pende developed their own unique artistic style.
The present, ‘classical’ helmet mask of the eastern Pende belongs exclusively to the ‘treasure’ of a chief. Only the chiefs were allowed to dance in this mask type during important initiations. This mask is called ‘Giphogo’ or ‘Kipoko’. It is carved from lightweight wood and displays the typical, bell-shaped form: it has a knob at the top, a hairstyle with ‘privy councillor’ extensions at the sides, high arched eyebrows, slit yet broad coffee bean eyes, and large, protruding ears. On this piece, the square, large nose is slightly turned downwards. The lower, protruding rim of the mask constitutes a large, semicircular and horizontal ‘beard’, in two offset layers, decorated on each of its outer edges with a black and white zigzag relief. Also on the back there are three rows of such zigzag reliefs, above four holes, into which part of the mask costume was attached. There are decorative scarification marks on the forehead, on both cheeks and on the sides, beneath the ears. Between the nose and the ‘beard’ is a small hole (as mouth), through which the dancer can breathe. The entire mask is dyed on the outside, in the correct sequence, with black (soot), red (by means of powdered redwood) and white (kaolin). A perfect, very old and rare piece, with only a few, age-related areas of damage: a few, small, minor cracks, some breakages, as well as colour abrasion to the edges due to age. With excellent, old usage patina on the inside of the ‘helmet’. There is an inventory number from a collection, in white letters, on the rear.
Dimensions: 32 cm x 29 cm x 29 cm.
Early 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
South African private collection.

Lit.:
‘The Tribal Arts of Africa’ by J.-B. Bacquart, p. 176, ill. 2; ‘Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture’ by K.-F. Schädler, ill. p. 249.