Zoomorphic Mask Known As Panya Ngombe - Pende Culture, Democratic Republic Of The Congo

ZOOMORPHIC MASK known as Panya Ngombe
Pende culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo
First half of the 20th century
Wood and pigments
H.: 26; W.: 32 cm
(historical restoration)

This mask, carved from a single block of wood and tapering towards the chin, features large, openwork eyes shaped like coffee beans. It wears a stylised beard collar, carved in a sawtooth frieze and highlighted with black and white kaolin pigments. Its rectangular mouth – almost as if about to whistle – protrudes slightly.
It has long ears pigmented with red ochre. The entire forehead and the mask’s design are entirely carved in a chequerboard pattern with triangular motifs.

Panya Ngombe represents the buffalo or wild cow – a symbol of prestige and high rank. It was danced during the Mukanda, the initiation rite for young boys. When not dancing, it adorned the huts of chiefs or dignitaries, thus distinguishing their homes.

Provenance:
- Private collection, Paris.
- Acquired in 2009 by the former collector from the Philippe Lange gallery, Brussels.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.: 7294