A carved wooden mask with woven raffia grass headdress attached. The mask is divided into two contrasting sides painted Black and white. *Of Note the headdress appears to be of two different grassess added at different times. The mbangu mask is a variation on the representation of a highly regarded hunter who has been stricken with facial paralysis. It demonstrates how even the most esteemed and upright member of the community can unexpectedly be afflicted with sickness. In this case, the Pende believe that the individual is a victim of sorcery, bewitched by a rival who jealously inflicted him with disease. This mask teaches Pende audiences about the rewards of good behavior and of the pitfalls of those who are morally flawed. The white side represents the spirit world, a pure world and the black represents the world of the living, the world of Illness and disease.Pende peoples, Congo / DRC , Africa. The mask measures 10.5 x 8.5 inches. ( 16 inches tall on custom display stand which will be included)Completely original untouched patina. Provenance: A private Washington DC Collection.

Fair, well worn, tribal repair to headdress, well done, minor areas of decay on back of mask.