Anthropomorphic face mask "sachihongo" · Zambia, Mbunda / Mbalango · ID: 3051610
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 part of the auction Collectors’ Items Sale on September 24, 2025, lot number 323 at that time and is currently available for EUR 800 in Open sale.
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Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L. & Manuel Jordan, Makishi Lya Zambia, München 1998, p. 72 f.