PENDE

Face Mask, early 20th century

This Pende mask of the "Mbuya" type radiates both power and beauty. Its design, patina, and signs of use define an incredibly authentic masterpiece, forged entirely within the context of ritual. Its wildness is captivating, almost untamed, with energy evident in every line. The artist masterfully combined expression and dynamism, creating a striking piece of tribal art with an overwhelming presence.

The mask shows notable stylistic parallels to a piece in the Barbier-Mueller Museum collection in Solothurn, Switzerland. Before this comparable mask entered the museum in 1939, it was in the possession of Charles Ratton and previously with Hans Himmelheber, who acquired it in the Kinzamba region (Western Kasai). Ratton was a key supporter of Himmelheber, as was Lore Kegel, the grande dame of our gallery. It is likely that Himmelheber acquired the mask offered here during the same journey and later passed it on to Lore Kegel, much like the comparable mask was passed to Ratton.

Reference
ao-0038479 – Musée Barbier-Mueller, Genève, Switzerland
(AHDRC-Database)

Pende, DRC, Kinzamba, 24 cm
Wood, fibre, pigments
Hans Himmelheber, Lore Kegel,
Boris Kegel-Konietzko

Another treasure from our historical collection

MARKET DEBUT: 2024
PRICE ON REQUEST