Eastern Pende Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Alan Brandt, New York
Private Collection, acquired from the above on June 9, 1967

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, small chips, and cracks, consistent with age and use. A loss to the proper left edge of the mask, at the level of the cheek. Some wear to the pigments and losses to the dry fibre beard.
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.

Although they consider themselves as one people, the discrete cultural practices in eastern and western Pende groups are the cause of their distinction in ethnographic study and artistic analysis. Eastern Pende groups, who live on the banks of the Kasai River, engage their masks in a more secretive fashion than their western counterparts. Biebuyck contends that [the masks] 'come out intermittently in the evening or at night on specified occasions, such as investiture of a chief, construction of the house with the royal regalia, circumcision rites, displacement of a village, and healing. Their connections with chieftainship are strong.' (Biebuyck, The Art of Zaire, Vol. I: Southwestern Zaire, 1985, p. 244). In common with many other masks from this region, the present mask is painted with red, black, and white pigments, and has a raffia beard.