"ngolo" Mask, Pende People, Drc

A mask featuring a geometric, polychrome, heart-shaped face. The cylindrical mouth is raised. The brow ridges meet at the bridge of the nose. The long nose and brow ridges are highlighted in white, creating a sense of continuity. Scarifications covered in white pigment adorn the cheeks. The eyes are highlighted in red pigment. One eye is closed and shaped like a coffee bean, the other is wide open and tubular. The face is surmounted by two horns, the tips of which have been painted white.
This type of mask is called "Ngolo". Her closed eye symbolizes a loss of clairvoyance or an injury inflicted by spiritual or physical forces.
Western Pende people, Central Kasai province, DRC. Mid-20th century.
Wood, pigments.
Height: 38 cm.
Provenance: -ex Belgian collection
- ex Jean Marc Desaive collection (1960-2023), Soumagne, Belgium.
Sold with its base.