This Pende mask called Mbangu, represents a bewitched man, struck by a series of diseases or curses that wizards have inflicted on him. Height : 30 x 23 cm Materials : Wood, Rafia , Pigment Provenance : Private Collection Estimated age : Mid 20th Century
Songye panel with Named after the men’s society and its mask, Kifwebe controlled the behavior of women and children and collected and redistributed wealth.
These masks were worn by members of the powerful “Ibuku” society. The fearless “buku” required initiates to produce the head of an enemy or individually kill a lion or leopard. Masks were also used to evoke ancestor spirits and frighten the enemy in battle. Height : 42 x 25 cm…