With the its typical Mbala coiffure,
this stern-looking figure is probably the representation of
a spirit whose function was to dispel negative forces. The
rich, smooth patina
is the result of much rubbing
and handling.
From side profile: 5
½ inches Height/Length: 13 inches Width across face: roughly 10 ½ inches
Age: approximately 40+ years.
Tribal
History: Pende People
The Pende were pushed northwards by the
Lunda people during the 17th century, so they settled in a
region near the Loango and Kasi Rivers. Two hundred years
later, the Tchokwe people invaded the Pende territory - they
were migrated northwards from Angola - but they were pressurized
by the Belgian colonial rulers to return the annexed lands
to the Pende. The 500,000 Pende people, who are mostly farmers,
are not governed by a central authority, but pay allegiance
to family chiefs, known as Djigo, who are sometimes
assisted by various nobles. Young men are organized into age
groups and pass through initiation stages, including circumcision
at adolescence.
Availability: Usually
ships in 3-4 business days.
$325.00
*This
item is ONE OF A KIND! Once ordered it is removed from
our inventory listings.
The antique masks in our collection
are all one of a kind, with a circa. of twenty to forty
plus years and once shipped their listings are immediately
taken from our website!
Each shipped art piece (from our
in-house inventory) includes a customized informational
index card, complete with the tribal and regional history
of the piece.
Product descriptions adapted from similar
ones in The
Tribal Arts of Africa written by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart