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A fine Eastern Pende mask browse these categories for related items... All Items: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: African: Sculpture: Pre 1940: item # 913819 Please refer to our stock # P1264w when inquiring.
michael cichon tribal arts P.O. Box 5919 Bradenton, FL 34281 941.224.0440 Guest Book $4,500.00 |
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| Most examples of Eastern Pende carved wooden masks existed in deep secrecy among the population. The exact purpose of many types varied regionally, and many had double functions, existing as both dance masks and architectural sculpture. This is in direct opposition of the mask forms made by the Western Pende, which functioned, consistently, in open, public displays. This wonderful example, showing the geometric stylization typical of Eastern Pende art, probably performed during initiation rites, in which case it would have been known as 'Kindombolo-Mapombolo'. It's triangular shape and large, thinly-slit eyes are classic characteristics of the type. Carved from a medium-light wood (Ricinodendron species)and showing a darkened, slightly encrusted surface resulting from many applications of oils and pigments over the years. A thin crack runs from the back (where the mask suffered a blow long ago) along the top and onto the left eye and cheek region where the wood has been thinned out and a tiny hole exists from the original carving of the mask features. It is stable and does not detract from the mask, as shown by the photographs. Some slight surface wear is seen along the brow ridges of the mask, as well. Measuring 9.50"H x 6.50"W. It is pierced once on each side and another hole, which does not go all the way through, has been made on the inside of the thick, upper section of wood on the interior, perhaps to mount the mask to a post or lintel beam in a building. From the D.R.Congo, early 20th century. Provenance: Ex-Jean-Willy Mestach, Brussels, Belgium, Ex-Jacques Hautelet, La Jolla, CA, 1988. | |||||||||||
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