Mask "mbuya" - Pende - DR Congo
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 1,400 - € 1,600
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Mask "mbuya" of Pende origin from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the early 20th century, height 41 cm, in excellent condition, sold with a stand, provenance Jean-Marc Desaive collection and Stanleys Auction.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Very beautiful mask "mbuya" Pende
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 41 cm (without the base and with the headpiece)
Materials: wood, raffia, plant fibers
Estimated period: early 20th century (1930-40)
Provenance: former collection of Jean-Marc Desaive - Belgium; Stanleys Auction house - Belgium
This Pende mask comes from Jean-Marc Desaive's collection, known for having published the book 'Pende' with Mr. Laeremans. (see last photograph)
According to Sousberghe (1959), the mbuya masks appeared and danced in the village during the festivities occasioned by the return of the initiates. See Falgayrettes-Leveau (2004, p.40).
Used to represent a large number of characters in a spectacular and dramatic choreography, these masks are characterized by great diversity. This variety within a single category is explained by the significant number of male and female characters represented during mukanda ceremonies, organized for the initiation of young boys.
In the Gatundu region, famous for its artist studios, these masks are regarded as a benevolent force in times of illness […] and are reproduced in the form of amulets (ikhoko), carved in wood, bone, or ivory" (Neyt, F., Traditional Arts and History in Zaire. Forest cultures and savannah kingdoms, Brussels, 1981, p. 138)
This Pende mask is sold on a pedestal.
At the bidder's request, the invoice from the Stanleys auction house may be provided to him.
Delivery guaranteed by Bpost
Very beautiful mask "mbuya" Pende
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 41 cm (without the base and with the headpiece)
Materials: wood, raffia, plant fibers
Estimated period: early 20th century (1930-40)
Provenance: former collection of Jean-Marc Desaive - Belgium; Stanleys Auction house - Belgium
This Pende mask comes from Jean-Marc Desaive's collection, known for having published the book 'Pende' with Mr. Laeremans. (see last photograph)
According to Sousberghe (1959), the mbuya masks appeared and danced in the village during the festivities occasioned by the return of the initiates. See Falgayrettes-Leveau (2004, p.40).
Used to represent a large number of characters in a spectacular and dramatic choreography, these masks are characterized by great diversity. This variety within a single category is explained by the significant number of male and female characters represented during mukanda ceremonies, organized for the initiation of young boys.
In the Gatundu region, famous for its artist studios, these masks are regarded as a benevolent force in times of illness […] and are reproduced in the form of amulets (ikhoko), carved in wood, bone, or ivory" (Neyt, F., Traditional Arts and History in Zaire. Forest cultures and savannah kingdoms, Brussels, 1981, p. 138)
This Pende mask is sold on a pedestal.
At the bidder's request, the invoice from the Stanleys auction house may be provided to him.
Delivery guaranteed by Bpost
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Pende
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Mask "mbuya"
Height
41 cm
Sold by
