Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity
Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity Pende Wood Carved Mask - Art for Eternity

Eastern Pende Panya Ngombe Mask

16125

$4,995.00
/
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Democratic Republic of the Congo

A finely balanced Eastern Pende panya ngombe mask of broad, horizontally extended form, the anthropo-zoomorphic face combining human features with the lateral horn-like extensions of a buffalo. The face is carved with elongated slit eyes beneath a short overhanging forehead, a long slender nose, and a small rectangular mouth, with stepped triangular motifs framing the lower perimeter.

The surface shows a variegated dark brown and reddish-brown patina with areas of wear and abrasion consistent with age and handling. The strong planar carving, compressed facial proportions, and geometric border treatment are characteristic features of panya ngombe masks, which are described in published examples as wide wooden masks with inset features and triangular ornament.

Among the Eastern Pende, the panya ngombe mask is understood as representing a buffalo, an animal associated with authority and dignity. Published examples note that such masks were formerly connected with the insignia of important chiefs, known as mbuya jia ufumu.

The form’s emphatic width, horn-like projections, and disciplined geometry give the mask a commanding frontal presence. Its visual language contrasts sharply with Kwele pipibudze or ekuk masks, which are typically associated with the Kwele peoples of Gabon/Republic of Congo and often feature heart-shaped, kaolin-whitened faces rather than the Pende buffalo-derived horizontal format.

Size 17 inches  (43.2 cm) wide x 8.5 inches (21.6 cm)  high + custom base.

Provenance: Sotheby’s, Paris, December 6, 2005, lot 118; Paolo Morigi, Lugano; Gaston de Havenon, New York. Recorded in AHDRC as object ao-0038531, per your supplied documentation.

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free insured shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

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