Pende, D.R.C
 

During the 17th century the Pende were pushed northwards  to avoid incorporation into Queen Jinga's and other predatory Angolan states.  They settled in the region near the Laongo and Kasai rivers. Two centuries later, the Chokwe, migrating northewards from Angola invaded the Pende territory, but were later pressurized by the Belgian colonial rulers to return the annexed land to the Pende.

The Pende numbering around 500,000 and are mostly farmers. The men assist in the clearing of the lands, and contribute with the occasional hinting and fishing, however, majority of the farmwork is done by the women, who are wholly responsible for selling of goods at community markets. Their crops consist mainly of plantains, millet, maise and peanuts. They are governed by family chiefs (djigo)who are sometimes assisted by various nobles.

Their system is mainly controlled by lineage and matrimony.On a spirtitual level, the Pende revere their ancestors who are placated through various rituals and ceremonies. The head of the family is responsible for taking care of the shrines and keeping the spirits happy.Masquerading  plays a very important role in the lives of the Pende, during the Belgian occupation of the region (1908-1960), the dances and beating drums gave the people an escape where they could achieve an "alter ego" and talk out against the identity that was imposed by the state. They refer to the "dancing of a mask, never to the wearing of a mask.

The initiation masking.

During the initiation ceremonies of the young men into the men's society (mukanda), the initiates wear masks and carry switches, "terrorizing" the community for days. During this period, masqueraders will erupt daily from the bush into their villiage, where they target mothers of initiates, adolescent girls and uninitiated boys with their switches.

The linking to the realm of the dead.

In performance, this headdress, known as the Giwoyo mask is viewed horizontally, resting on top of the head.  Some Pende specialists believe that this headdress represents a cadaver laid out for viewing at a wake.The elegant abstraction of the body explains the tapering form of the projection, which reflects how the arms are placed alongside the body, the projection narrows and curves up as the feet would, the whole covered up by a sheet.  The head joins the body at an obtuse angle, mimicking the propping up of the head of the corpse.  The eyes gape half-open in death.

Lukongo Dance

A preeminentmen's dance, performed by chiefs on the day of their investiture. Every boy learns this dance, sort of claiming his right to become a chief and take on the reponsibility of the communities need.

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