Pende
(Bapende, Phende, Pindi, Pinji), Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ngolo mask. The 300,000 Pende tribe members are divided into numerous territorial groups, the two most important living in Kwulu and Kasai. Even though the society is matrilineal, the sculptors profession is transmitted from father to son. This mask was made by Kasai Pende (Eastern Pende). It symbolizes the strength that a neophyte must demonstrate in the circumcision camp.
Material: wood
Size: H. 19", W. 6", D. 5"
Price: $165 + $32 (S&H) [#D9P9M490]

