The Kasai River Goddess looks kindly upon the Pende people, offering them safe passage as they cross the waters. Salihu Ibrahim invokes her presence in the form of a highly ornate mask, carved by hand from sese wood. He embellishes the mask with a fantasy of color created with African trade beads. The Pende people live on the banks of the Kasai River in Zaire. Every time a river, stream or lake is purified, appreciation is shown to the gods and goddesses that inhabit the waters for their protection. Yearly and periodic rituals are therefore done to appease and thank them for their protection and longevity. Please note this mask is crafted by hand without a previous sketch or mold. The beaded work may vary slightly in pattern and color in subsequent masks therefore rendering each one unique and exclusive.
Language: English
