Male mask "cihongo" ·  R. D. Congo, Tchokwé · ID: 3033244

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.

Littérature comparée

Wastiau, Boris, Visions of Africa: Chokwe, Mailand 2006, ill. 55

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