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Julien Gauthier

The Mbuya masks of the Pende Kwilu or Western Pende are used primarily in the dance that marks the culmination of the initiation period for young people, performed before an assembly of all the villagers. The interpretation of the human face is typical of the western Pende (with influences from the Woyo and Bashilele), with a continuous line of eyebrows, in relief, in a V shape occupying the entire width of the face and painted black; a bulging forehead with Mifunyi folds; the upper eyelids curving downwards; the upturned, pierced nose; the open mouth revealing pointed teeth and the pointed chin. The Gabundula or Executioner mask represents the executioner of the witchcraft society; its fearsome character is symbolized by the Mifunyi folds on the forehead. Europeans associate furrowed brows and a wrinkled forehead; the Pende see these deep furrows as a manifestation of resentment, irascibility, and aggression. At the end of the 1920s and 1930s, many Pende sculptors from the Center sought to illustrate this state of mind by representing the wrinkles in the form of grooves carved into the forehead. This is a convention reserved for frightening characters such as the executioner (Mbuya Gabundula). Gabundula's mouth is larger and more angular. Nguedia says that Pumbu “makes a grimace,” which shows that he is a man who is permanently angry, a dangerous man.

Provenance:  Berthe Hartert collection,
Argiles Collection, Barcelona


Mid 20th century - Wood, Fiber - Fair condition

Pende Kwilu Mask - Mbuya Gabundula - Pende - DR Congo

Jewellery

Reserve price

No reserve price

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Budget

From

Closing date

tomorrow

Wednesday

Monday

Tuesday

Friday

19 July

Location

Italy

Türkiye

The Netherlands

Spain

France

Israel

Belgium

Germany

Portugal

United States

Brand

Handmade

Vieri

Balestra

Object

Bracelet

Necklace

Earrings

Pendant

Ring

Necklace with pendant

Hoop earrings

2 piece jewellery set

Chain

Stud earrings

Cufflinks

Charm bracelet

Brooch

Chain bracelet

Tie clip

Signet ring

Choker necklace

Statement necklace

Drop earrings

3 piece jewellery set

Parure

Country of origin

Unknown

Material

Yellow gold

White gold

Rose gold

Gender

Unisex

Women

Children

Condition

Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear

As new - unused

Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear

Good condition - used with some signs of wear

Stone

Diamond

Certification

No laboratory report

Fineness

18 kt.

14 kt.

9 kt.

21 kt.

22 kt.

24 kt.

19.2 kt.

Style

Antique

Brilliant cut

Round

Size on item

Large (19 cm)

Extra extra large (>20 cm)

Extra large (19.5 - 20 cm)

54 (EU) / 14 (IT) / 6 ¾ (US)

Large (18 - 18.5 cm)

53 (EU) / 13 (IT) / 6 ¼ (US)

Medium (18 - 18.5 cm)

55 (EU) / 15 (IT) / 7 ¼ (US)

58 (EU) / 18 (IT) / 8 ¼ (US)

Medium (17 - 18 cm)

60 (EU) / 20 (IT) / 9 (US)

56 (EU) / 16 (IT) / 7 ½ (US)

51 (EU) / 11 (IT) / 5 ¾ (US)

61 (EU) / 21 (IT) / 9 ½ (US)

65 (EU) / 25 (IT) / 11 (US)

66 (EU) / 26 (IT) / 11 ½ (US)

52 (EU) / 12 (IT) / 6 (US)

Extra small (15 - 16 cm)

Small (16.5 - 17 cm)

68 (EU) / 28 (IT) / 12 ¼ (US)

62 (EU) / 22 (IT) / 10 (US)

67 (EU) / 27 (IT) / 11 ¾ (US)

57 (EU) / 17 (IT) / 8 (US)

59 (EU) / 19 (IT) / 8 ¾ (US)

71 (EU) / 31 (IT) / 13 ¼ (US)

Diamond type

Natural

After 2000

1900-2000

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Pende Kwilu Mask - Mbuya Gabundula - Pende - DR Congo

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