Distorted faces are rarely depicted in African art. For the Pende, they represent the effect of an epileptic seizure, which was thought to be a manifestation of the spirits. The use of black pigments emphasizes the overall distortion of the faces.
Good condition with traces of wear and tear.
Object: Mbangu distorted mask
Ethnic group/ culture: Pende
Region/ country: Congo
Material: Wood, Textile
Period: 2nd half 20th century
Condition: Good
Sold with stand: No
Dimensions: 30×20×17 cm
Weight: 300 g