Pende Style Mask, D. R. Congo

Description of Significance:

This is a striking contemporary mask authentically crafted in the D. R. Congo and made for decoration. It references historic masks of similar aesthetic style that were danced in ceremonies.

The Pende people live in west D.R. Congo. The Pende are a matrilineal people. They are highly venerated blacksmiths, with smiths being of equal status to the chief. Some original Pende masks show a mixture of human and buffalo attributes. The buffalo represents authority to the Pende. These masks were originally danced during the initiations of Pende young men. These types of initiations ended in the 1930s at which time Panya Ngombe masks were adapted to architecture. They were placed above the doorways of important structures like the home of the chief or the treasure storage house.

Country of Origin:

• Hand carved in D.R. Congo

Dimensions: 

• Depth: 4"
• Width: 10"
• Height: 17"

Sustainable Materials:

• Indigenous wood

Display Options:

• Wall Hanging: the mask comes with a wire installed on the back for easy wall hanging.

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.

About Decorative African Art:

Hemingway Gallery only purchases pieces from artists or owners that we approve of historically and aesthetically. These might include artworks that have been newly created and are currently being used in ceremonies. We place high value in these pieces, despite their lack of age and antiquity, regarding them as real even though they are not old. Some are created for use by the people and not made for the tourist trade. Ours are by talented artisans creating fine art that reference historic styles. Newly produced African art is gorgeous and we value these pieces. This includes contemporary aesthetics from the continent that may not necessarily look traditionally ‘African’. Our goal is to represent design in Africa that goes beyond the idea of ‘tribal’ as the styles of emerging artists are ever evolving.

Our Pricing:

Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing their artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price to our artists is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that.

Shipping:

• Subsidized FedEx Ground shipping: $10
• We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).