Pende - DR Congo

This red mask represents the oldest member of the initiated class. This example
illustrates the connection between masks and popular initiation ceremonies. The line
of the eyebrows in a very sharp V shape frames powerful, deep scarifications,
painted in black and white, in the middle of the forehead; on the cheeks there are also horizontal scarifications,
almond-shaped, painted black with a central incision in white. The crest
is made of fabric edged with black fibres and is trapezoidal in shape with a pointed tip. The mask has a beard
made of fibres that surrounds it from ear to ear.

Provenance: Mundo Africano missionaires
Argiles Collection, Barcelona