Pende Mask Congo Rohner Collection

The Pende tribe is a Bantu-speaking people who reside in the southeastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Pende people are known for their rich cultural heritage, which includes a unique form of artistry in woodcarving.

Pende woodcarvings are known for their distinctive, stylized elements and intricate designs. They are typically carved from a single piece of wood and feature depictions of human figures, animals, and culturally significant objects. 

Pende woodcarvings are not simply visually appealing, but they also serve as a platform for communication and storytelling. The carvings have a significant role in ceremonial and ritual contexts, including initiation rites and funerals. 

This woodcarving serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Pende people and showcases the skill and creativity of the artisans.

Provenance: John R. Rohner Collection
Rohner, a museum curator for decades, aimed his practiced eye for authenticity to African art beginning in the early 1908s. His passion for this art only grew through the decades he built his collection––always with an aim for a broad and representative array of pieces. The collection appears in his book, Art Treasures from African Runners (2000, University Press of Colorado). 

Item #441 on pg. 193

Height(in): 11.0
Width(in): 6.5
Depth(in): 3.5

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