Mbangu Disease Mask - Pende - DR Congo
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Current bid
€ 3
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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 Bidder 0025 | €3 | |
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| Bidder 8526 | €2 | |
| Bidder 0025 | €1 |
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Mbangu disease mask of the Pende from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, titled Masque de Maladie Mbangu, dating to the mid-20th century, from a private collection, measuring 26 cm high by 1 cm wide and 1 cm deep, in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Mbangu disease mask – Pende, DR Congo
Here is a Mbangu Pende, a powerful, meaningful typology connected to the themes of illness and the disruption of balance. Everything here speaks: the black/white bipartition, the stark contrast, and the visual tension that immediately draws the eye.
In ritual practices, these masks belong to a register in which what unsettles is shown in order to better contain it: bodily disorders, crises, disturbances (often mentioned around epilepsy), and more broadly the fragility of life. White refers to the altered state, to the world beyond the norm, while black intensifies presence, the shadow, and gravity. The toothy, expressive mouth underscores the idea of a force that exceeds the individual.
A rare subject matter, and above all fascinating in its formal language: asymmetry, contrast, and theatricality — a piece that never leaves anyone indifferent.
Overview of our expertise firm:
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).
We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.
Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.
Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.
Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.
Mbangu disease mask – Pende, DR Congo
Here is a Mbangu Pende, a powerful, meaningful typology connected to the themes of illness and the disruption of balance. Everything here speaks: the black/white bipartition, the stark contrast, and the visual tension that immediately draws the eye.
In ritual practices, these masks belong to a register in which what unsettles is shown in order to better contain it: bodily disorders, crises, disturbances (often mentioned around epilepsy), and more broadly the fragility of life. White refers to the altered state, to the world beyond the norm, while black intensifies presence, the shadow, and gravity. The toothy, expressive mouth underscores the idea of a force that exceeds the individual.
A rare subject matter, and above all fascinating in its formal language: asymmetry, contrast, and theatricality — a piece that never leaves anyone indifferent.
Overview of our expertise firm:
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).
We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.
Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.
Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.
Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.
Details
Indigenous object name
Mbangu Disease Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Pende
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
26 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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