WESTERN PENDE MASKS ARCHIVES, DRC

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These masks have been vetted as authentic.

Western Pende Mask 9 18.5" high SOLD

Western Pende Mbangu Mask 20 12" high SOLD

Western Pende Mask 12 11" high SOLD

Western Pende Mask 15 12" high SOLD

Western Pende Mask 11 13" high SOLD

 

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The masks below were probably made to be sold.

Western Pende STYLE Mask 14 18" high SOLD

Western Pende STYLE Mask 5 23.5" high SOLD

Western Pende STYLE Mask 13 16" high SOLD

Western Pende Mask 17 25" high SOLD

Western Pende Mask 18 24" high SOLD

Western Pende STYLE Mask 3 30" high SOLD

Western Pende Mask 1 SOLD

Western Pende Mask 4 SOLD

Western Pende Mask 6 SOLD

Western Pende Mask 7 SOLD

Western Pende Mask 8 SOLD

Western Pende Mask 10 SOLD

Western Pende Mask 16 SOLD

Western Pende Mbangu Mask 21 10" high SOLD

PLEASE NOTE: Masks shown with stands on the individual pages are sold with stands. Masks shown with just a post (to facilitate photography) are sold without stands and may be hung on a wall.

The Pende people of the DRC are grouped into numerous territorial groups, the two most important being in Kwilu (Western) and Kasai (Eastern) Pende. Several clans are consolidated under the rule of a chief (Djigo) whose main role is that of mediator with the ancestors. Even though the society is matrilineal, the sculptor's profession is transmitted from father to son.

Pende art styles vary widely, with a more abstract, geometric style in the east and a more naturalistic one in the central area and to the west. The Kwilu Pende are especially well known for their masks that were originally used for circumcision ceremonies, but later became accessories for a type of popular theater. The Kwilu Mbuya masks are characterized by a somber, gloomy expression.