PENDE STYLE MISANGO CROWN 2, DRC

Despite its appearance this Pende crown shows no evidence of age or use and was probably made to be sold. It is in very good condition except for the very top which is stable now but has some bead loss, especially on the back.

The Pende people of the DRC are grouped into small kingdoms, which consolidate several clans under the rule of a chief whose main role is that of mediator with the ancestors. Pende chiefs' crowns, called Misango, are symbols of title and nobility.

See: , p. 102. Crowning Achievements: African Arts of Dressing the Head
by Christine M. Kreamer (Author), Mary Jo Arnoldi (Author)