Description:

Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Middle Lualaba River region, Pende people, ca. mid 20th century CE. An elegant, striking wooden mask (panya ngombe) with a two-toned, heart-shaped face. The face is composed of two concave planes that meet along a shallow, broad nose, one half painted a creamy white and the other an earthy red. Below each almond-shaped eye is a series of two triangles above a horizontal line, incised, representing scarification marks. These are above a jutting mouth. The rest of the mask is darker, undecorated aside from a light coating of stain, allowing the natural grain of the wood to shine through, while two small ears project from the sides. Two perforations, just behind the ears, allow for the mask to be worn by tying twine through them. Masks of this style are rare finds! Size: 6.5" W x 10" H (16.5 cm x 25.4 cm); 15.5" H (39.4 cm) on included custom stand.

The Pende people create masks that use interestingly-shaped planes and simplified forms, typically colored red, white, and black. They are made to be worn in masquerades and ceremonies for initiations into secret societies. Each mask is thought to embody an ancestral force and, when worn, can act as a mediator with the spirit world.

Provenance: private Omer Claiborne collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired over the last 40 years

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#129266

  • Condition: Beautiful patina from age and handling, with small cracks, especially on top of the head and around the mouth, from age. One larger, stable crack on the back of the head. Nice pigment remaining as shown, with wear to raised areas (nose, lips, and hairline).

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February 15, 2018 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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