Mask - Chokwe - Angola

The Chi Hongo mask, originating from the Chokwe people of Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, embodies an emblematic figure of African art. Carved from dense wood, it is characterized by geometric features, a domed forehead, slit eyes, and a mouth that is often closed or half-open, evoking restraint and wisdom. These masks, used during the mukanda male initiation rituals, symbolize the transition to adulthood and the transmission of ancestral knowledge.

The Chi Hongo also represents a protective spirit, mediating between humans and the invisible world. Its ceremonial wear is reserved for ritual dances, reinforcing collective identity and celebrating fertility, hunting, or justice. Today, these masks, admired for their aesthetic balance, illustrate the cultural depth of the Chokwe and their ability to combine art, spirituality, and social function.

Presentation of our house of expertise

Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sales specializes in African art and ethnography. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with an almost 100% customer satisfaction rate.

We regularly assist with liquidations, successions, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with private individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with many sales offered without reserve prices.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

Shipping within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for further information.