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African
Masks
Pende
Mask
The
Pende mask above is a ‘Panya Ngombe’ mask
which has a combination of a human and buffalo features.
This type of mask comes from the Kasai Pende who live
in the east of their territory.
These
masks are decorated with incised triangular grids that
are often painted with dark and light pigments to create
a checkerboard effect.
This ‘Panya Ngombe’ mask would be hung above
the door or window of a chief’s dwelling.
The Pende carve several different types of masks that
they use to communicate with the spirits during rituals.
The
Pende believe that the spirits of their ancestors can
positively or negatively influence the quality of their
lives.
The
Pende are mostly farmers who supplement their diet by
hunting and fishing. They live in the southwest area of
the Democratic Republic of the Congo around the Loango
and Kasai Rivers.
Mouse
over the map for a more detailed view of Pende territory.
Pende
Mask Drawing
You
can click on the sketch above to view a simplified A4
line drawing
which you may use to help you draw or trace this mask
design. |
