Mask "mbuya" - Pende - DR Congo
01
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,200
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Masque 'mbuya' from the Pende people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the early 20th century, 41 cm high, sold with a stand, authentic original piece in excellent condition with provenance from the Jean-Marc Desaive collection and Stanley's Auction.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
• Very beautiful Pende “mbuya” mask
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Dimensions: 41 × 18.5 cm (excluding the base and with the headdress)
• Materials: wood, raffia, vegetal fibers
• Estimated period: early 20th century
• Provenance: former Jean-Marc Desaive collection - Belgium; Stanley's Auction house - Belgium
— This Pende mask comes from the Jean-Marc Desaive collection, known for having published the book "Pende" with Mr. Laeremans. (see last photograph)
— According to Sousberghe (1959), 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 large number of male and female 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 regarded 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 Zaïre. Forest Cultures and Savannah Kingdoms, Brussels, 1981, p. 138)
— This Pende mask is sold mounted on a base and with its purchase slip from the Stanley's auction house.
— Careful and insured delivery with tracking number. (Bpost)
• Very beautiful Pende “mbuya” mask
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Dimensions: 41 × 18.5 cm (excluding the base and with the headdress)
• Materials: wood, raffia, vegetal fibers
• Estimated period: early 20th century
• Provenance: former Jean-Marc Desaive collection - Belgium; Stanley's Auction house - Belgium
— This Pende mask comes from the Jean-Marc Desaive collection, known for having published the book "Pende" with Mr. Laeremans. (see last photograph)
— According to Sousberghe (1959), 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 large number of male and female 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 regarded 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 Zaïre. Forest Cultures and Savannah Kingdoms, Brussels, 1981, p. 138)
— This Pende mask is sold mounted on a base and with its purchase slip from the Stanley's auction house.
— Careful and insured delivery with tracking number. (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
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
