Masks of the Pende People
The Pende originated in northern Angola but were forced into the Kwango region to the north of the Chokwe, in present day Democratic Republic of Congo. Under the Pende, there are three masks associated with a chiefs rule, the pumbu, kipoko and panya ngombe.
Pumbu Mask -The pumbu mask is considered the most fearful and dangerous of the three masks. Called an executioner mask by some, it is used only by a few of the most powerful chiefs. It is formed as a half cylinder, with two enormous eyes projecting as tubes from the upper third of the face, with white rims signaling great anger. The lower two thirds of the mask are typically adorned with geometric patterns of black and white triangles. Pumbu serves as a symbol of the power of the chief, it dances only on rare and terrible occasions determined by divination, such as when the chief is seriously ill or when epidemics or famines rage, indicating that ancestors may be very unhappy. When pumbu dances, the mask framed by a raffia wig and beard, is so large that the chin is at the wearer's waist. He holds weapons of war as he presents himself before the chief's subordinates to collect tribute.Young men restrain him with cords attached to his waist. Others in his company carry whips. Before he returns to the kibulu (stucture where the masks are kept), pumbu spins around to face the crowd and dramatically cuts his restraining cords as onlookers flee. The threatening pumbu signifies the courage the chief must often summon to confront questions of life and death.
Kiwoyo / Giwoyo Mask - In performance, this headdress, known as the Giwoyo mask is viewed horizontally, resting on top of the head. Some Pende specialists believe that this headdress represents a cadaver laid out for viewing at a wake.The elegant abstraction of the body explains the tapering form of the projection, which reflects how the arms are placed alongside the body, the projection narrows and curves up as the feet would, the whole covered up by a sheet. The head joins the body at an obtuse angle, mimicking the propping up of the head of the corpse. The eyes gape half-open in death.
Kipoko Mask - A preeminent men's dance, performed by chiefs on the day of their investiture. Every boy learns this dance, sort of claiming his right to become a chief and take on the reponsibility of the communities needs. The Kipoko mask symbolizes the power of the ancestors, and embodying the ruler in its performances, belongs to the regalia of Pende chiefs and is kept in their residence. Kipoko is considered a friendly mask figure and portrays the positive aspects of the chief. The design details of the mask illustrate the virtues and duties of the chief, namely:
The enlarge ears, nose and eyes appeal to his watchfulness, ensuring that he is aware of everything that is transpiring in village life, while the smaller mouth is suggestive of the chief having to select his words carefully and deliberately in communication.
The dancing of the kipoko mask thanks the ancestors for their good deeds and entreats the to continue supporting the community.
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