Tribal Art

Pende Mask (N° 18503)

Called Kiwoyo with the Eastern Pende, Giwoyo ch those of the Centre, this african mask extended from a chin strap was usually worn in a cap over a soft hat, tumba . Most of the masks of the Central Pende, sculpted by the dancers, were worn tilted on the forehead, to be seen in profile. Originally associated with the deceased lying on his diaper, this mask was associated with funeral rituals. Nowadays he participates in peaceful and festive ceremonies. This rare and voluminous variant of kiwoyo, with widely split triangular eyelids, nevertheless forms a hem mask. It is decorated with large lozenges on which remain color pigments. Locally abraded velvety patina.

The seed live on the banks of the Kwilu, while the have settled on the banks of the Kasai river downstream of Tshikapa. Within this diversity the masks Mbuya, realistic, produced every ten years, have a festive function, and embody different characters, including the chef, the soothsayer and his wife, the prostitute, the possessed, etc. The masks of initiation and those of power, the minganji, represent the ancestors and occur successively during the same ceremonies, agricultural festivals, rituals of initiation and circumcision mukanda, induction of the chief.
Governed by heads of households, the jogo, priestly function, Pende undergo different initiations that prepare them for adult life, including circumcision. Their sculptures, intended to come into contact with the ancestors, are stored in a room or house adjoining that of the chief. Source: Kerchache