Disease Or Deformity Mask, Pende, Democratic Republic Of The Congo

Mask presenting an asymmetrical face:
the eyes, the nostrils and the cheeks present differences connected by the mouth and the forehead. These so-called "disease" or "deformation" masks are called "Mbangu" and are part of the "Mbuya" mask family.
This asymmetrical face represents epileptics or demented people.
The duotone is here erased by time in principle it symbolizes the fight between good and evil.
Cheese wood with patina of use, remains of red pigments.

dimensions:
26 cm high by 18 cm wide.

Pende people, Kandale village, Democratic Republic of Congo Circa 1940/1950.

Provenance: former Freddy Joy collection, London.
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