Mask, Pende (Kasai); D.R.C. Congo
Wood, pigments; H. 22 1/4"
In masks of the eastern or Kasai Pende
known as mbuya jia mukanda, or circumcision
masks, the facial portion is generally triangular
with the upper part presenting short swords, animal
horns, geometric board-shaped forms, or in some
cases figurines. This example is of the kakubu
a matemo variety with opposition between the
forms surmounting the head, contrast of red and
white coloring, and the combination of an open and
closed eye. This likely refers to the duality of
the personified spirit represented and its reference
to both the living and the dead. The inherent asymmetries
of the form vanish in this rare and finely balanced
old example.
