Male mask "cihongo"
R. D. Congo, Tchokwé
Vendu
650 €
Provenance
Josef Herman, Suffolk, Great BritainTaille
H: 19 cm
H: 7.5 inch
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.