Teach with Collections: Pende artist, Female mask (gambanda)

The Pende word for "mask" is mbuya. Mbuya encompasses not only the mask but the entire masquerade complex, including costume, song, dance, ritual, and other aspects of performance. Masks depicting women may be known as Gambanda or Kambanda (Wife of the Chief) and can also refer to the entire category of female masks, some depicting the "contemporary fashionable woman." The artist who made this mask paid careful attention to depicting the hairstyle and the woman's expression. The eyes have heavy lids: they are known as zanze, and their shy, seductive gaze is roughly equivalent to what we call "bedroom eyes." This mask also presents idealized female facial features: a large, smooth forehead; sharp cheekbones accentuated by curved scarification marks; and a close-lipped mouth. Combined, these facial features and this expression demonstrate the Pende belief that women are more emotionally peaceful than men.

Conversation prompts: Describe how the artist rendered facial features, paying attention to the use of different materials and colors.

What were your immediate impressions of the facial expression on this mask? Have they changed after learning how the Pende interpret them?

How do cultural conventions about expressions affect our interpretations?