Male mask "cihongo" · D. R. Congo, Chokwe · ID: 3033244
sold
EUR 800
Provenance
Ralf Lüders, Stuttgart, GermanyGalerie Alex Vömel, Düsseldorf, Germany
Galerie Henseler, Munich, Germany
Giggelberger-Brill, Munich, Germany
Size
H: 23,5 cm
H: 9.3 inch
Description
wood, shiny dark brown patina, red pigment remains, typical for the male type is the broad, teeth revealing mouth, as well as the disc-shaped protruding beard, pierced around the rim, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage, small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
the male spirit “cihongo” symbolizes strength and abundance; in former times the masks were exclusively worn by the chief or one of his sons and were responsible for criminal justice and social control.
Comparing literature
Wastiau, Boris, Visions of Africa: Chokwe, Mailand 2006, ill. 55