African Art at the
Ralph Proctor Gallery"In Cultural Perspective"
Healing Mask
- country: Zaire
- people: Pende
- medium: wood, paint
- size: 13x11x9 inches
- price: $575.
- inventory #: rpg0052
This mask was used by the medical healer in special rites for curing illnesses. The herbalist knew that all illnesses have two components, the physical and the psychological. Indigenous medicines were given for the physical aspect of the illness. The mask, along with incantations and chants was used to adress the psychological part. The mask is a male, as shown by the circular black beard at the base of the mask.