This is a traditional African Pende mask from the Pende people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly known as Zaïre). The mask, crafted from wood and featuring organic materials, exhibits the distinctive aesthetic and cultural elements typical of the Pende artistic tradition. The mask displays a human face with half-closed eyes, a prominent nose, and a mouth with multiple circular openings, a characteristic feature that often represents the portrayal of a revered ancestor or a spirit in Pende culture.

The surface of the mask is adorned with textured carvings and subtle geometric patterns, emphasizing its spiritual significance and the artisanal skill involved in its creation. The head is encircled by a woven element, possibly made from raffia or plant fibers, while a small tuft of natural material or hair decorates the chin area. The remnants of cloth around the neck suggest that this mask was part of a larger ceremonial costume, traditionally used in rituals, initiation ceremonies, or as part of a masquerade to convey messages or invoke protection.

Overall, the mask embodies the rich cultural heritage and symbolic artistry of the Pende people, reflecting their spiritual beliefs, social structures, and the importance of ancestral veneration.

Seller's Story

We offer items from our Pepstore collection on Catawiki. We offer full support on every auction, if there is a problem, you can return the items within 13 days, we try to ship the items as quick and safe as possible using professional packaging material. Get pepped and score a rare and vintage item with the comfortable no-worry guarantee.

This is a traditional African Pende mask from the Pende people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly known as Zaïre). The mask, crafted from wood and featuring organic materials, exhibits the distinctive aesthetic and cultural elements typical of the Pende artistic tradition. The mask displays a human face with half-closed eyes, a prominent nose, and a mouth with multiple circular openings, a characteristic feature that often represents the portrayal of a revered ancestor or a spirit in Pende culture.

The surface of the mask is adorned with textured carvings and subtle geometric patterns, emphasizing its spiritual significance and the artisanal skill involved in its creation. The head is encircled by a woven element, possibly made from raffia or plant fibers, while a small tuft of natural material or hair decorates the chin area. The remnants of cloth around the neck suggest that this mask was part of a larger ceremonial costume, traditionally used in rituals, initiation ceremonies, or as part of a masquerade to convey messages or invoke protection.

Overall, the mask embodies the rich cultural heritage and symbolic artistry of the Pende people, reflecting their spiritual beliefs, social structures, and the importance of ancestral veneration.

Seller's Story

We offer items from our Pepstore collection on Catawiki. We offer full support on every auction, if there is a problem, you can return the items within 13 days, we try to ship the items as quick and safe as possible using professional packaging material. Get pepped and score a rare and vintage item with the comfortable no-worry guarantee.
Era
1900-2000
Specific region of origin
Zaïre
Material
Wood
Country of Origin
Congo
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Ethnic group/ culture
Pende
Height
25 cm
Width
25 cm
Estimated Period
1950-1960

215 reviews (56 in last 12 months)
  1. 49
  2. 5
  3. 2

TUTTO perfetto - ottimo venditore - bellissimo l'oggetto

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ducks

Great item just as described and safely delivered to the UK, thank you

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user-b6878d0

venditore affidabile tutto bene imballaggio ottimo spedizione rapida Bell oggetto grazie

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user-4d80b01bdaff

oggetto bello e ben confezionato. Sono contenta dell'acquisto

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user-baa9b70

Communication from Seller was non-existent. Items were well-packed and as described. A few fresh damages during transit, but still nice. I had to sit at home for several days due to late delivery.

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user-cb9c8d985d45
Seller's response

Great to see the item was delivered. I am the seller, not the shipping company. So as you should have known, I don't deliver the packages personally, but I use a shipping company, they (not me) can send you a estimated delivery date, if they don't deliver it on this date, I feel sorry for this inconvenience... but again... I only deliver the package to the local shipping company.. and cant be hold responsible for the communication of the shipping partner, the review should be focused on them. Enjoy the stools

A less "trashy" packaging might have been better at protecting the contents. Two items came chipped, and the mug is outright smashed. Still, a fine lot. Thanks.

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user-0df51ee

Nice industrial look, cheap shipping, smooth transaction, thank you!

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user-fd5283073e2f

👎🏻👎🏻 Catawiki: please help! Claim to be a pro but my frames were in pizza and egg boxes! Pictures of damage and disgusting package sent, + 12 days to get it: this guy can't accept he did wrong 😡

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user-9eed666
Seller's response

They are the same frames as where displayed on the pictures, it was sent 1 day later then it was supposed to. (Sorry) The package was packed carefully with professional carton boxes and egg cartons and other boxes to prevent (successful) damage. Between the angry emojis I cant read/see that there is damage or a problem with the package that you received, except that you didn't saw the photos. If there is an actual problem that I can solve i would. Everyone (even you) can get a refund if there is a problem. But I dont see the problem, you? But -always- even now, accept a return of the item. To other visitors, please also look at the reviews without emojis

The object completely corresponds to the description. It was carefully packed for shipment. Thank you.

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user-ddda31e7d8c2

Ha tardado en llegar bastante tiempo. Lo demás bien.

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user-405524c64877

It took 27 days to arrive after the bid. Communication was very variable. If you are happy to wait a month for shipping then I recommend the seller. Dozens of purchases since Brexit. Lame excuse.

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user-8023821
Seller's response

As I told you… Couldn’t ship it earlier. Because of Brexit. I was waiting for a request for a ID number… from the Government. So don’t blame me for these restrictions that UK took after Brexit. This is the result.

Mooi object, als beschreven. Duurde wel wat lang voordat het binnen was.

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Marruk09

Tevreden maar de afbeelding klopt totaal niet met het gekochte

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Brains500
Seller's response

Hi, De veiling is een mysterybox met gesloten doos met daarin de knikkers.. net als dezelfde veiling die u eerder had gewonnen, daar kan niet veel aan mis gaan? Mocht er een verkeerd item zijn bezorgd ipv knikkers, dan hoor ik het graag? :)

Livré aujourd'hui, les objets étaient bien emballés. Merci

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user-9f98e023d7f9

Ga er iemand een plezier mee doen. Hartelijk dank

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Brains500

Ware einwandfrei! Sehr schnelle Lieferung. Gute Kommunikation.

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user-650c9bb48d23

Tutto ok grazie !!!! Super consigliato 👋👋

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puffo62
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215 reviews (56 in last 12 months)
  1. 49
  2. 5
  3. 2