Cihongo mask
Tschokwe · Angola
Reference: MSOAL-1
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- Height
- 40 cm
- Material
- Wood, raffia, feathers.
This mask embodies a masculine spirit that dispenses power and wealth. Contrary to its female equivalent, the mask mwana-pwo, is not also used in dances. The…
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Full original description
This mask embodies a masculine spirit that dispenses power and wealth. Contrary to its female equivalent, the mask mwana-pwo, is not also used in dances. The dancers went from village to village and were rewarded for the influence that flowed from their services.
It's not a dance mask, it's a cult object. The tattoo under her eyes is called masoji, meaning tears. It is intended to appear on family altars. It is also placed next to the king's throne in important religious ceremonies to provide for his protection and to grant fertility to both men and women. It bears a front the characteristic scarification of the cross-shaped ethnic group that resembles a four-leaf clover, called cingelyengelye.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Angola. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
