Ngulu Mask - Chokwe - Angola

The Ngulu mask is distinguished by its naturalistic zoomorphic form: the sculpture evokes the head of a pig with a prominent snout, sometimes accentuated by a red band on the muzzle, and with marks or bosses on the cheeks. Some pieces feature integrated accessories such as metal pieces, beads, fibers, or textiles attached to the back, which were used to fix the dancer’s headdress or to complete the ritual costume.

Dancers often wear this mask high on their heads, so that their field of vision passes through a mesh or fibers at eye level.

In some museum collections, such as that of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a Ngulu mask is also interpreted as a piece in which the wearer imitates the behavior of the pig — sometimes even feigning locomotion on all fours — which is an integral part of the ritual performance.

I bought it in Lisbon a few years ago in a specialty shop.
There is a possibility to acquire a high-end stand to display this mask; please contact me.

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