Mask "mbuya*" - Pende - DR Congo
Opens 10:00
Starting bid
€ 1
Add to your favourites to get an alert when the auction starts.
Expert
Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 1,300 - € 1,500
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 133284 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Mbuya Pende mask
DR Congo
Height: 22 cm (wood only)
Estimated age: mid-20th century (likely earlier)
Material: wood, woven fibers, iron oxide, and kaolin
Provenance: ex-collection Yannick De Hondt, Belgium; The African Connection gallery, Belgium
The Bapende are a Bantu people of Central Africa, living in Bandundu Province (the territories of Gungu, Idiofa, Feshi and Kahemba), in Kasai Province, formerly Kasai-Occidental (Tshikapa territory) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as in Angola from which they originate. They speak Pente, a Bantu language. The name of this language is said to derive from the verb pende “gupenda,” which means “insult” or “an affront.” This name is believed to have been given to them by neighboring populations in Angola during the arrival of the Portuguese, and they were one of the few to resist despite the firearms of the newcomers. Nevertheless, they had to leave Angola to live where they are now in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They call themselves the “Apende,” meaning “the great rebels.”
The last two photographs depict a dancer and his Mbuya mask.
Sold with the certificate of authenticity signed by André Vanhecke, owner of the gallery.
Careful, insured shipping with tracking number.
Mbuya Pende mask
DR Congo
Height: 22 cm (wood only)
Estimated age: mid-20th century (likely earlier)
Material: wood, woven fibers, iron oxide, and kaolin
Provenance: ex-collection Yannick De Hondt, Belgium; The African Connection gallery, Belgium
The Bapende are a Bantu people of Central Africa, living in Bandundu Province (the territories of Gungu, Idiofa, Feshi and Kahemba), in Kasai Province, formerly Kasai-Occidental (Tshikapa territory) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as in Angola from which they originate. They speak Pente, a Bantu language. The name of this language is said to derive from the verb pende “gupenda,” which means “insult” or “an affront.” This name is believed to have been given to them by neighboring populations in Angola during the arrival of the Portuguese, and they were one of the few to resist despite the firearms of the newcomers. Nevertheless, they had to leave Angola to live where they are now in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They call themselves the “Apende,” meaning “the great rebels.”
The last two photographs depict a dancer and his Mbuya mask.
Sold with the certificate of authenticity signed by André Vanhecke, owner of the gallery.
Careful, insured shipping with tracking number.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Pende
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Mask "mbuya*"
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
