Pende style mask - Lot 337

Pende style mask Democratic Republic of Congo Wood Height : 47 cm This zoomorphic mask with naturalistic features represents a monkey. The eyes are hollowed out circular cavities separated by a long, thin, straight nose. The mouth is half-open on incised teeth. The pavilion of the oval ears is well drawn. The top of the skull is surmounted by two curved animal horns, in the center of which sits a female figure characteristic of the Senufo. The attitude is serene and hieratic. Under the dominant sagittal headdress, the concave angular face is projected forward, echoing the conical breasts. The thighs and buttocks are curved. The hands described in two abstract oblique elements frame the protruding navel.