Lot 245: A superb Pende face mask

Pende, D.R. Congo; H: 9" (mask only)

Of powerful regal form, the expressive grimacing face covered in a red-brown pigment. Coiffure largely intact. Remains of burnishing to the brow and mouth.

Comments:
Representing the warrior and executioner, Phumbu masks are characterized by the extended, three-pointed headgear together with an aggressive, gaping mouth with thick lips. Phumbu belongs to the theatrical mbuya category of performers. In the masquerade, he appears as twilight approaches and taking out a hidden sword cuts his restraining cords and begins the wild executioner's dance looking for victims to sacrifice. A verse to his song goes: "Umonyi muenyi, ushiya diago a a a!: If you see a stranger, kill him!” (Strothers 1998:215).

Provenance:
- Zollman Collection, IND
- Gelbard collection, NY

Publication History:
Remnants of Ritual: Selections from the Gelbard collection of African Art (2003) Bourgeois & Rodolitz; Pg. 37, Fig. 84

Exhibition History:
Exhibition History: USA: "Remnants of Ritual, Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art":
- University Park, IL: Governors State University, February 2003
- Krannert, IL: Krannert Art Museum, 26 August-26 October, 2003
- Kansas City, MO: Belger Art Foundation/UNIVERSITY of Missouri-
Kansas City, 2004
- Park Forest, IL: Tall Grass Art Association, 2005

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