Male mask from Mukanda - Chokwe - Angola / Zambia

Height: +/- 42 cm / 16. 5 in Provenance: private collection, Belgium Lot essay and expertise Galerie Gaunt Tribal Art, United Kingdom, ref SQ0465567 Dating: 1940-1950 A wooden mask representing a man with an elaborate hairstyle and hairstyle. The face has deep orbits with half-closed bulbous eyes. The nose is small and slightly hooked, the mouth is open to reveal a row of teeth. At the chin is a beard in the form of a crest. The hair is laid out in a geometric shape to create a crescent shape towards the front with a lock of hair on the forehead. At the top of the head is a cloth headdress painted with earthy brown and white geometric shapes. Behind the masks is a blanket in the form of knotted cords to simulate hair. Chokwe use three types of masks. These are sacred masks, initiation masks (in fibers) and dance masks. The last group includes a female mask, or Pwo, and its male counterpart, or Cihongo, which symbolizes power. The male mask differs from the female by its large mouth and its horizontally projecting beard. The Pwo mask symbolizes the ideal mother and woman. It has facial scarifications and is believed to spread fertility wherever it is presented. The word Cihongo means "spirit of wealth" and is used to symbolize wealth and power. Masquerades wearing the mask pay tribute to the male ancestors who are responsible for the prosperity and strength of the community. Traditionally used to represent the ancestor male chef Chihongo, masks were once reserved for the use of chefs at royal events such as the initiation of a new chef. The masks are now worn for entertainment purposes, by men from the community, during masquerade celebrations (danced with the female counterpart, Pwo) to bring fertility, peace, wealth and well-being to the village. Discreet restoration on the right side. Shipping within 24 working hours Tracking number included Delivery against signature Tags: mask, statue, sculpture, figure, figurine, wood, art, france, belgium, netherlands, usa, dogon, contemporary, first, primitive, tribal, african, antiquity, work, gallery, picasso, giacometti, galerie d art, African art, cubism