Wood, fine aged surface and patina, vegetal fibbers, scarification marks on the cheeks and forehead, broad pierced oval mouth baring pointed teeth, with pierced, and fan-shaped headdress composed of rattan and feathers and fixed by a fiber braid, a woven fiber headdress attached to the reverse.
Some damage and losses.
The Cihongo mask represents a male spirit. It symbolizes power, virility, wealth and is sometimes used as a judgment mask. In ancient times Cihongo was danced only by the chief, one of his sons or nephews (son of the chief’s sister).
H: 34 cm (13 1/3 inch) with coiffure.

Literature:
Bourgeois, Arthur and Rodolitz, S. (2003) Remnants of Ritual: Selections from The Gelbard Collection of African Art.
Bacquart, Jean-Baptiste (2010) The Tribal Arts of Africa.
De Areia, Rodrigues e Laranjeira, Manuel (2003) Chokwe and their Bantu Neighbours.

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Regional & Ethnic Antiques