Male mask "cihongo"

Description

light-coloured wood, painted in red, black and white, characteristic for the “cihongo” mask type: mouth with jagged teeth and projecting beard, scarification marks missing, old collection label attached: “Race Batshok - Masque de Féticheur - von de Mr. Francois”, slightly dam., crack;
the “cihongo” mask is regarded as a spirit of wealth and power. In former times the masks were exclusively worn by chiefs or their sons. They used to go on special “dance tours” for two or three months. The gathered donations - fabric, poultry, beads etc. were taken as tribute payment for the highest authority. Besides the “cihongo” masks were means of criminal justice and for practicing social control.