Pende Mask

The P(h)ende people, know as Mupende for singularity and Bapende for the plural version, are an ethnic group in the South-Western Democratic Republic of Congo. The Pende are divided into two cultural groups: the Eastern Pende and the Western Pende. Though distinct they consider themselves part of the same ethnic group. The number of people who consider themselves to be Pende are estimated to be over 250,000. The Pende speak their own language called Kipende and are particularly known for their artistic works. They are considered to be similar in culture to their neighboring ethnic groups namely Yaka and Suku people. Pende originally lived in the strip between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cuanz...View all