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Female Mask (Gambanda or Kambanda)
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Realized in typical Central Pende style, this mask is believed to represent <em>gambanda</em>, the chief's wife. In light of Pende theories about gender and physiognomy, the mask is an ideal expression of a woman's facial features and thus reflects her calm, obedient, peaceful, and self-controlled demeanor. The intricate hairstyle consisting of hundreds of miniature twists imitates a once fashionable hairdo. Pende sculptors inherited their position and often worked on the outskirts of the village so that few could see them at work.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Pende-style maker |
|---|---|
| Date | early 1900s |
| Culture / Origin | Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pende-style maker |
| Medium | Wood, plant fiber, and colorant |
| Dimensions | Overall: 27 x 22 x 28.5 cm (10 5/8 x 8 11/16 x 11 1/4 in.) |
| Department | African Art |
| Type | Mask |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.
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