Mbuya Giwoyo / Kiwoyo-Muyombo Pende Mask

Early 20th century Mbuya (Village Mask)
Giwoyo (Cadaver Headdress) mask. 

One of the many mbuya masks performed at community festivities, is the giwoyo (called kiwoyo among the Eastern Pende); said to be among the oldest Pende masking traditions. Believed to represent the spirit of the dead, giwoyo masks are worn on the top of the head of the dancer to give the appearance of a cadaver in a coffin during a wake.

Slight recent damage on nose. 

Date: 20th Century
Origin: Pende people
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo (ex Zaire) 
Material: Wood, raffia

Height: 70 cms

Width: 20 cms

Expected surface wear with scuffs, chips, abrasions commensurate with age and use. The wood has developed a warm patina resulting from age and use.