D. R. Congo, Pende
Anthropomorphic mask "mbuya"

wood, pigments, plant fibre, raffia bast, base

The identification of a specific mask character depends largeley on aspects of the costume, including the headdress and acessories, and the choreography of the dance.

Althought the present mask's exact name cannot be determined outside of the performance context, its facial features, along with its raffia coiffure, may identify it as representing a mask genre called "pota" or "ginjinga", both known for their acrobatic and extravagant dances.
H: 28 cm; T: 37 cm, H: 11,0 inch; T: 14,6 inch

Provenance:
Jean Zimmermann, New York, USA

Lit.: Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 329
Continent: Africa