Large African Pende Wood Pumbu Chief Mask

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com

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• Lot Description
  Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kasai River area, eastern Pende peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A striking carved wooden mask known as a Pumbu, distinguished by its elongated visage, circular projecting eyes, defined mouth with pointed teeth, and a pronounced nose ridge. The lower portion of the nose and the chin are decorated with triangular motifs, infilled with white kaolin pigment, enhancing the mask's visual impact and spiritual symbolism. The Pumbu is a powerful and revered spirit mask, traditionally part of a chief's regalia. It was not used lightly and rarely worn - it appeared only during times of extreme need, such as severe illness, drought, or political crisis, when the presence of a potent spirit and decisive leadership were required to restore balance. The perimeter of the mask is pierced with annular drill holes, allowing it to be secured to a costume, affixed with ornamental attachments, or fastened to the wearer. Size: 31" L x 12" W (78.7 cm x 30.5 cm)
  
  Provenance: private Louisville, Kentucky, USA collection, acquired 1990-1998
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #193509

  Condition

  Fading and losses to pigments. Some chips and abrasions, with stable pressure fissures. Good condition.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

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