Pende (Bapende, Phende, Pindi, Pinji), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dance mask. Pende people numbering some 300,000 to 500,000 are mostly farmers. They have no centralized ruling, and form about sixty little kingdoms, each comprising several clans and each headed by a chief whose principal function is religious, as mediator with the ancestors. The 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. This mask distinguishes from the mainstream of Pende masks by some features of the face, its specific function is unknown.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 14”,   W. 7 ½”,  D. 3 ½”

Price: $150+$25 (S&H)                     [#D7P9M855]