Mask "mbuya" - Pende - DR Congo

Very beautiful mask "mbuya" Pende
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 41 cm (without the base and with the headdress)
Materials: wood, raphia, plant fibers
Estimated period: early 20th century (1930's)
Provenance: former Jean-Marc Desaive collection - Belgium

This Pende mask comes from the Jean-Marc Desaive collection, known for having published the book "Pende" with Mr. Laeremans. (see the penultimate photograph)

According to Sousberghe (1959), the mbuya masks appeared and danced in the village during 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 the same category is explained by the large number of masculine and feminine characters represented during the mukanda ceremonies, organized for the initiation of young boys.
"In the Gatundu region, famous for its artist workshops, these masks are taken as a benevolent force in case of illness […] and are reproduced as amulets (ikhoko), worked 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 mounted on a base.
At the request of the bidder, the invoice from the Stanleys auction house can be provided. This mask indeed was sold as part of the JM Desaive old collection in this sale.

Last photo of a Pende dancer with his Mbuya mask.

Delivery insured by Bpost.