Pende, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A large ‘stele of a chief’ of the West Pende. Extremely rare!
Among the Pende, in western Congo, these large steles were placed in front of the houses of chiefs. The present stele is carved in wood, hollowed on the back, and coloured black and white. The large head of the stele is carved in the shape of a typical Pende mask: with a continuous line for the eyebrows, drooping eyelids, a short nose and a small mouth with its corners turned downwards, and with a hairstyle made of three high crests. The head of the stele thus executed represents a Pende mask of the ‘mbuya phumbu’ type, depicting a chief. The body of the stele is covered in small, black and white rhombs (and three cross shapes) and displays an accentuated, round, black navel. A special feature: the chequered pattern is not only painted, but also carved in relief beforehand. The white rhombs are arched and the black ones in relief. A very rare, impressive object! With good, old patina and corresponding age-related damage (some pieces broken off in the lower section and on the back rim). First half of the 20th century; H: c. 110 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Jo Christiaens, Bruges, Belgium.
Lit.: ‘L’art Pende’ by L. de Sousberghe, ill. 235, 236.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 6,250.-
- Estimate:
-
EUR 8,000.- to EUR 10,000.-
Pende, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A large ‘stele of a chief’ of the West Pende. Extremely rare!
Among the Pende, in western Congo, these large steles were placed in front of the houses of chiefs. The present stele is carved in wood, hollowed on the back, and coloured black and white. The large head of the stele is carved in the shape of a typical Pende mask: with a continuous line for the eyebrows, drooping eyelids, a short nose and a small mouth with its corners turned downwards, and with a hairstyle made of three high crests. The head of the stele thus executed represents a Pende mask of the ‘mbuya phumbu’ type, depicting a chief. The body of the stele is covered in small, black and white rhombs (and three cross shapes) and displays an accentuated, round, black navel. A special feature: the chequered pattern is not only painted, but also carved in relief beforehand. The white rhombs are arched and the black ones in relief. A very rare, impressive object! With good, old patina and corresponding age-related damage (some pieces broken off in the lower section and on the back rim). First half of the 20th century; H: c. 110 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Jo Christiaens, Bruges, Belgium.
Lit.: ‘L’art Pende’ by L. de Sousberghe, ill. 235, 236.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |
** Purchase price incl. charges and taxes
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