-40%
Old Authentic PENDE MBANGU (sickness) MASK DRC West AFRICA [Boston Primitive]
Old Authentic PENDE MBANGU (sickness) MASK DRC West AFRICA [Boston Primitive]
Old Authentic PENDE MBANGU (sickness) MASK DRC West AFRICA [Boston Primitive]
Old Authentic PENDE MBANGU (sickness) MASK DRC West AFRICA [Boston Primitive]
Old Authentic PENDE MBANGU (sickness) MASK DRC West AFRICA [Boston Primitive]
Old Authentic PENDE MBANGU (sickness) MASK DRC West AFRICA [Boston Primitive]
Old Authentic PENDE MBANGU (sickness) MASK DRC West AFRICA [Boston Primitive]
Old Authentic PENDE MBANGU (sickness) MASK DRC West AFRICA [Boston Primitive]
Old Authentic PENDE MBANGU (sickness) MASK DRC West AFRICA [Boston Primitive]
Old Authentic PENDE MBANGU (sickness) MASK DRC West AFRICA [Boston Primitive]

Old Authentic PENDE MBANGU (sickness) MASK DRC West AFRICA [Boston Primitive]

$ 116.16

Availability: 66 in stock
  • Condition: Much-used but perfectly intact, wear and tear, long scuff on nose, arrested insect infestation (fumigated)
  • Modified Item: No
  • Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
  • Handmade: Yes
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Congo
  • Culture: African

    Description

    These Pende masks from the Democratic Republic of the Congo all share similar characteristics. The face is crooked and distorted, the nose bent, the mouth askew, and the eyes glance downward. One side of the face is dark and the other light. These contortions represent sickness - some say
    epilepsy
    - Mbangu is the tribal name. This mask is a superb example of the type. It has wear and tear from use but no damage except a long scuff down the nose. Unusually, this one has a row of drill holes for decoration from the top of the head to the bottom of its nose. I have put a screw-eye in one of these holes for hanging (this mask has only two
    very worn
    attachment holes). It evidently once had an insect infestation but has been fumigated. (tunnel holes remain on the inside). A choice mask and genuine, it is about 11" tall. Beautifully sculpted by a talented craftsman.