Mask, Pende; D.R.C. Congo
Wood, pigment, cloth, fiber; H. 9"
This mask, representing the warrior
and executioner Phumbu is characterized by
the extended, three-pointed headgear and 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 in his song urges:
"Umonyi muenyi, ushiya diago a a a!"
("If you see a stranger, kill him!").
(Strothers 1998:215)
