This is the rating and price for African Pende Polychrome Wood Phumbu Mask

Description : Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, eastern Pende peoples, ca. mid 20th century CE. A fantastic carved-wood mask known as a phumbu displaying an elongated visage with a projecting, circular mouth, a stretched nose with clearly delineated nostrils, and a pair of almond-shaped eyes positioned just barely open under high-arched brows. The expressive vizard is intricately painted with geometric motifs in shades of white and salmon pink and decoratively incised with five horizontal bands and two X-shapes. A flat coiffure of mocha brown hues caps the head, while a border of annular drill holes lines the periphery for attaching to costume, attaching ornaments, or securing to the wearer. Size: 6 W x 25 H (15.2 cm x 63.5 cm) According to the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg in Florida, Unlike most masks, the phumbu was seldom used. It remained enshrined in the chief’s house until he needed to reassert his power during times of social crisis. One of seven minganji, or masks of power among the Pende, the phumbu is a symbol for the power of the chief and is meant to inspire fear. It and the accompanying ritual dance reasserted his military authority, and power to execute transgressors. Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #162656
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Estimate (low-high) : 900 USD-1400 USD It's free to register now to view!

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