Artemis Gallery
20th C. African Pende Painted Wood Mbuya Mask
Product Description
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pende people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden mask known as an "mbuya" in the form of an abstract anthropomorphic face. The expressive visage presents with openwork almond-shaped eyes, an upturned nose, a thin mouth, petite ears, and arching brows, all beneath a rounded forehead with a central vertical slit.
Two trios of incised striations along the cheeks are perhaps indicative of ritual scarification. Dozens of petite perforations used for attaching a raffia wig line the periphery, and the obverse is painted with matte brown and orange-red pigment. Mbuya masks are used during dance festivals that celebrate the end of the "mukanda," the male circumcision rituals. A fine example from central Africa!
Condition: Chips and abrasions to areas of nose, face, brow, and peripheries, with fading to original pigmentation, and minor softening to some incised details. Light earthen deposits, nice patina, and great traces of original pigment throughout.
Product Details
- Materials
Wood, Bone, Slate
- OriginCongo
— Provenance: Private New York, New York, USA Collection; Ex-private New York, New York, USA Collection
— Includes Custom Stand & Certificate Of Authenticity
— Dimensions: 6.4"W x 8.875"H (12.5"H On Stand)
— Weight: 3 lb
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14
Shipping Information
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Shipping AvailabilityCanada, United States
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Shipping PolicyStandard Ground Shipping
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Ship In3-4 weeks ⓘ
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Return PolicyFinal sale, not eligible for return or cancellation
Size Chart
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