Southwestern DRC
Pende

Wood
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 18 inches
Aerophone – Lip Vibrated – Horn

The Pende are known for their xylophone-based music, and their dances. Dancers traditionally wear colorful masks and Mungandji costumes made of raffia, as well as hair-dresses that resemble the shapes of Pende huts. This well-sculptured Pende horn/trumpet has a beautiful patina showing signs of usage and age. The Pende people live in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), and are comprised of two groups, the Eastern Pende and the Western Pende. They share significant cultural ties with their neighbors, the Suku and the Yaka.