Eastern Pende Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo

panya ngombe.

Collected in situ by Dr. R. Sulsenti in 1931
Sotheby's New York, May 5, 1997, lot 27
Philippe Guimiot, Brussels, acquired at the above auction
Private American Collection, acquired from the above

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Old chip to proper right ear as seen in catalogue photograph. Stable hairline age crack around top of head. Some small hairline age cracks visible on reverse. Remains of insect casings on front near nose and on reverse of proper left eye. Chipping around holes for attachments. Fine aged surface with red, white, and black pigment, partially crusty.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Discussing a closely related mask in the Detroit Institute of Arts, Phillips (in Phillips 1995: 264) notes: "Among the formidable range of Pende masks the human and animal are often linked, and in the West Kasai one particular type seems to share a masquerading and an architectural function.  The lateral elongation of the panya ngombe masks relates to the wild cow/bull (or buffalo) which itself has chiefly associations and was danced by a masquerader in obviously regal dress, although this particular dancer (in a paradoxical role reversal that is to be expected in Pende masking traditions) is the one who collects offerings at the end of the initiation festivities.  Larger examples of this type of mask exist than the ritual itself would demand.  These are referred to as kenene and served to decorate the lintels of major chief's houses."