CONGOLESE PENDE MBANGU ILLNESS MASK. Pende Mbangu illness mask from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This type of mask, part of the Mbuya mask tradition, is specifically named "Mbangu," meaning "disease". It is used during village festivities and is recognized by its striking contrast of black and white, which bisects the face and represents the distorted features of someone suffering from epilepsy or facial paralysis. The mask typically features a face divided into black and white sections, with exaggerated and distorted features that depict symptoms of illness. The white side often symbolizes a connection to the spirits of death, while the black side represents illness and infirmity. - Height: 12 inches. Estimate $90-120
