Mbangu illness face mask
Pende · Democratic Republic of the Congo
Reference: MFE-3
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- Height
- 27 cm
- Material
- Wood and pigments
This is the name given in the Congo to this mask of illness or of a sick person. It depicts a man under a spell, affected…
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Full original description
This is the name given in the Congo to this mask of illness or of a sick person. It depicts a man under a spell, affected by an illness inflicted by a sorcerer. His distorted face recalls facial paralysis. The two colours, white and black, refer to the duality of “illness–health”. The mask also symbolises the effects of an epileptic seizure, considered to result from the manifestation of evil spirits. The opposition between white (spirits of death) and black (a symbol of illness) therefore signifies the struggle between good and evil. In Mbangu ceremonies, the character appears as a hunchback wounded in the back by an arrow. Those present laugh at him while he sings. His songs convey a message of tolerance towards victims of sorcery, because anyone can become a victim.
The mask is also placed at the entrance to the village during epidemics or serious outbreaks of illness.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-20th century
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
