Anthropomorphic face mask "sachihongo" · Zambia, Mbunda / Mbalango · ID: 3051610

Name: Anthropomorphic face mask "sachihongo"
SKU: 3051610
Availability: Discontinued

not available anymore

Provenance

Helmut Heintel (1926-2003), Stuttgart, Germany

Size

H: 46,5 cm

B: 43 cm

H: 18.3 inch

B: 16.9 inch

Description

wood, pigments,

“Sachihongo” most commonly represents the spirit of a cultural archetype - it is considered the incarnation of a mighty hunter, but it can also appear as an ancestor or a soothsayer. “Sachihongo” is symbolic of maleness, power, fertility and wealth.

The mask is is one of a repertoire of Mbunda and Mbalango initiation masks, collectively known as “makishi” (sing. “likishi”). They appear as part of the initiation and circumcision of boys known as “mukanda”.

The object Anthropomorphic face mask “sachihongo” with the object ID 3051610 was last part of the auction Collectors’ Items Sale at September 24, 2025 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 323.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.