Pende Minganji Mask

Democratic Republic of Congo

Mid 20th c

48 inches high x 30 inches wide (with feathers)

Ex:  Sarah M. Nolan, Santa Fe, NM artist purchased at L'ile Du Demons, Paris in 1990's

SOLD

The Minganji Gitenga mask of the Pende is formed as a red colored rayed disk of fiber with protruding tubular eyes.  The mask is said to represent the sunset and was used in the men’s fraternity as the policeman at circumcision ceremonies.  It represents a tribal ancestor, worn by a dancer who carries a whip as he dancers aggressively.