Mask - Pende - DR Congo
05
days
08
hours
25
minutes
43
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 250 - € 300
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 125774 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Masque Mbangu, a disease mask attributed to the Pende in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, provenance: private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Mbangu disease mask – Pende – Democratic Republic of the Congo
A rare and striking work, in which sculpture becomes the raw mirror of human suffering and spiritual turmoil.
Mbangu mask, attributed to the Pende of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, belonging to the particularly rare category of illness masks. These sculptures embody serious pathological states—paralysis, convulsions, mental disorders, or chronic afflictions—and belong to an iconography deliberately disturbing, meant to materialize disorder and suffering.
The face is marked by pronounced asymmetry, a deformed nose, half-closed eyes, and an open mouth—elements characteristic of Mbangu masks, conveying the loss of control over the body and mind. The surface of the wood bears an old, matte patina, with signs of wear consistent with ancient and repeated ritual use.
Among the Pende, these masks were worn during healing rites, purification rites, or public ceremonies, aimed at warding off illness, raising awareness within the community, and restoring social and spiritual balance. Mbangu masks are among the rarest, most expressive, and sought-after forms of Pende art, both for their striking visual quality and for the depth of their symbolic function.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African art and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than eight years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a satisfaction rate of nearly 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersal of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and in neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking (tracking).
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Mbangu disease mask – Pende – Democratic Republic of the Congo
A rare and striking work, in which sculpture becomes the raw mirror of human suffering and spiritual turmoil.
Mbangu mask, attributed to the Pende of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, belonging to the particularly rare category of illness masks. These sculptures embody serious pathological states—paralysis, convulsions, mental disorders, or chronic afflictions—and belong to an iconography deliberately disturbing, meant to materialize disorder and suffering.
The face is marked by pronounced asymmetry, a deformed nose, half-closed eyes, and an open mouth—elements characteristic of Mbangu masks, conveying the loss of control over the body and mind. The surface of the wood bears an old, matte patina, with signs of wear consistent with ancient and repeated ritual use.
Among the Pende, these masks were worn during healing rites, purification rites, or public ceremonies, aimed at warding off illness, raising awareness within the community, and restoring social and spiritual balance. Mbangu masks are among the rarest, most expressive, and sought-after forms of Pende art, both for their striking visual quality and for the depth of their symbolic function.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African art and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than eight years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a satisfaction rate of nearly 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersal of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and in neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking (tracking).
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Details
Indigenous object name
Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Pende
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
30 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
