This intriguing sickness style mask was carved in the style of the Pende people of DR Congo. This mask features a distorted expression with one eye carved with a slit. The mask has added textile around its face and fiber added above the mouth This mask is 12 inches tall and weighs 1.5 pounds. It does not come with a stand but one can be added for an additional price.
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| Type of Object | Face Mask |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | DR Congo |
| Ethnicity | Pende |
| Material | Wood, pigment, cloth, fiber |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height (Inches) | 12" |
| Width (Inches) | 6" |
| Depth (Inches) | 6" |
| Weight (Pounds) | 1.5 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Minor imperfections and general wear and tear throughout. |
Tribe Information
About the Pende People
Ancestor worship is significantly importance to the Pende people. Appeasing the ancestors (mvumbi), is accomplished through rituals and offerings, usually provided by the head of the family. If neglected, it is believed that the ancestors will cause sickness and hardship to the household. When asked for help, a diviner will regularly demand offerings be made to a wooden sculpture to placate the provoked ancestors.
Read more about the Pende here.
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Additional Information
About the Mbangu Mask
The mbangu mask is often referred to as the “sickness mask”. It falls under the category of Mbuya masks, this character being mbangu, or bewitched. The mask depicts a person who is diseased or handicapped, often believed to have been “bewitched” by a sorcerer for their moral corruption and unruly behavior. The intent of this mask is to remind people to be good or else face the consequences.
Mbuya masks, created by the western Pende, come in many anthropomorphic and zoomorphic character forms. They are meant to personify a wide range of community members, such as the village chief or a diviner. Each mask is given a name and is danced in theatrical performances to chronicle the principles and morals of Pende society. Mbuya masks are also used during circumcision ceremonies or in hunting and planting rites.
Some examples of Mbuya masks are:
• Tundu – Clown
• Gandumbu – Old female Widow
• Tata Gambinga – Diviner
• Matala – Young man
• Pumbu – Executioner
• Mbangu – Bewitched
• Giwoyo/Kiwoyo-Muyombo – Long bearded man
• Fumu – Chief
• Gabuku – Village Flirt
• Ngobo – Prostitute
• Nganga - Witchdoctor
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