The Pende traditionally speak their own language, known as Kipende, which is part of the Central Bantu group. The Pende are particularly known for their art, which is complex and includes traditional masks, associated with initiation rituals. Artists play an important role in society, they are looked at as just as important as nobles and receive a gift of having the first portion of food from the harvest. This privilege is usually only reserved for clan chiefs. Masquerades are an integral part of Pende culture, and these events consist of singers, drummers, performers, and spectators. Each region of the Pende engages differently with how they approach the event of a Masquerade. For the Eastern Pende, masquerades are understood to build and strengthen communities. Furthermore, they take place after the rituals for renewal to thank the God, Maweze and the ancestors. For the Kwilu after the 1931 Rebellion their practice of masquerades began to decline due to the horrors that took place. The Central Pende used to partake in masquerades but in current times have since removed the practice from ritual standpoint.
