Title: Gitenga Mask
Material: Wood and pigment
People: Pende
Country: Left bank of Kwila river, D.R. Congo
Description: The Pende people are the makers of fiber masks
called ìMinganji.î Although the Minganji face masks make an
appearance at a wide variety of occasions, their primary role
is to be a guardian of the initiation encampment. The ìGitengaî
mask is described as the grandfather of the chief of the
Minganji. In performance, Gitenga moves in a stately manner
while the rest of the Minganji are emphatically aggressive. The
masks serves as a representation of the sun, a symbol of life
regeneration.
Included is a custom-built metal stand.
Mask dimensions: 10" height x 8 1/2 width x 3" depth
Stand dimensions: 8" height x 7" width x 3 1/2" depth
Mask on stand: 12" height x 8 1/2 width x 3 1/2" depth
