Male mask "cihongo" ·  D. R. Congo, Chokwe · ID: 3037382

Description

light brown wood, shiny dark brown patina, typical for the male type is the broad, teeth revealing mouth, as well as the disc-shaped protruding beard, rep. (breakages beard, back), missing parts through insect caused damage, traces of abrasion, base;
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, Chokwe, Milan 2006, ill. 55