S O L D
Large Eastern Pende Mask
Democratic Republic of the Congo
PANYA –YOMBE
Wood, pigments
Width 61 cm., high 31 cm.
P R O V E N A N C E:
Jean Delmas, Aix en Provence, South France
Large Eastern Pende Mask, rare, large and stylized with massive bulbous eyes, the carved brows above painted black and white, this mask has lozenge – shaped face with zigzag lower border painted also in black and white, small rectangular mouth which bears teeth, the face with triangular nose, attenuated ears and the jaw-line pattern deeply carved and highly expressive.
This panya yombe mask of the Eastern Pende signifies a wild buffalo, and share both a masquerade and an architectural function. Versions of this mask known as kenene decorate the lintel on a paramount chief’s dwelling.
