DESCRIPTION: Pair of Pende masks, D.R. Congo (formally Zaire). Includes: 1) Early western Pende mask. Wooden mask representing a diviner (Nganga, Ngombo) with typical heavy-lidded, half-shut eyes, continuous brow line, a small down-turned mouth, blunted nose, and cheek and forehead scarification. This was one character in a series of more than 15 masks associated with male circumcision, collectively known as 'Mbuya.' Darkened, varied patina overall. Minor wear to surface consistent with handling. Losses and repairs. Approximately 10-1/2" long. 2) Early Western Pende (Mbuya) mask. Carved from lightweight wood, of broad proportions, pierced for attachment, raffia, fiber, pointed chin beneath the open mouth baring teeth, demi-lune ears, typical upturned nose bisecting the heavy-lidded downcast eyes beneath continuous arched brows and wearing a headdress. Traces of kaolin. Minor wear to surface consistent with handling. Approximately 13" tall. MEASUREMENTS: See Description. CONDITION: See Description.