masque « Mukishi wa Tchinlongho » - Sculpture - Chokwe - Angola

TCHOKWE, ANGOLA
An old mask “Mukishi wa Tchinlongho” in wood with an aged patina and a headdress of plant fibers.
At the back, natural wear from handling. The mouth is open and shows filed teeth.
Cheeks tattooed and forehead adorned with Saint Andrew’s cross, a symbolic motif brought by the Portuguese during the 17th century.
Tchihongo symbolizes power and wealth.
The mask bearer, often the chief’s son, responsible for collecting the tribute, covers himself with a vegetal net and will tour village after village for two or three months, collecting each person’s gift.
Tchokwé, southern Congo, northern Angola.
Height: 23 cm
Provenance: Former Belgian colony