Lot 406

Pende Mukanda Mask | Ex-Art Institute Chicago / Henri Kamer

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Pende Mukanda Mask | Ex-Art Institute Chicago / Henri Kamer

Estimate: $900 - $1,350

Starting Bid: $450

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
June 12, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Democratic Republic of Congo, . A mukanda initiation mask, Pende peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo, early to mid-20th century. Vibrantly carved of geometric elements, the angular face features bulging ovoid eyes, a circular disk mouth, and a high forehead surmounted by an anchor-shaped blade crest. Painted with red ochre, white, and black organic pigment. Raffia costume elements remain attached. 58.5 × 16.6 × 7.7 cm (23 × 6½ × 3 in.)

Mukanda masks most often feature animal horns, but the blade form here functions as a visual pun on horns — a message understood by initiates within the circumcision lodge context. Cf. Strother, Z.S., Visions of Africa: Pende, 2008, p. 16.

According to old object card: "Obtained thru exchange with Henri Kamer." Buckingham Fund. “Vibrant mask carved of geometric elements, with angular face, bulging ovoid eyes, circular disk mouth, and high forehead surmounted with an anchor shape blade. Painted with red ochre, white, and black organic pigment. Custom base. The “mukanda” masks are most often found with animal horns, but they can also be found in forms of knives as a visual pun on animal horns. The headdress would be a message that would be understood by the initiates. Z. S. Strother, “Visions of Africa: Pende” 2008, p. 16. Size: 22”H (55.9cm) with raffia.

Provenance: Acquired by the Art Institute of Chicago through exchange with Henri Kamer (inv. no. 1961.578; Buckingham Fund); deaccessioned by the Art Institute of Chicago.

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Item # 71823

  • Condition: Side of headdress repaired with old nail, losses and field repair to edge of rim. Mellow patina with thick encrusted deposits on rim and sides.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000