Product Description: Cihongo mask

The Cihongo mask is a male mask which is made from wood and has a typical horizontal beard and large globular eyes. It symbolizes wealth and power. The wearer of the mask covers himself with a vegetal net and is responsible for collecting the tribute owned to the chief. The mask confers judiciary powers to the wearer.

From side profile: 5 ½ inches
Height/Length: 13 inches
Width across face: roughly 10 ½ inches

Age: approximately 40+ years.

Tribal History: Tchokwe People

During the 15th century, a Lunda queen married a Luba prince called Tshibinda Llunga. A significant number of the Lunda aristocracy so disapproved of the marriage that they migrated south to prsent-day Angola. Once settled, they founded several kingdoms, each headed by a god-king. These tribes are now known as the Tchokwe, the Luena, the Songo, the Imbagala and the Ovimbudu. Around 1860, following a major famine, the Tchokwe people migrated back towards the south and settled in Angola, at the source of Kwango, Kasai and Lungwe rivers. The Tchokwe are governed by a king called Mwana Ngana, who distributes hunting grounds and cultivates areas while the male Mugonge and female Ukule societies regulate their social life.

Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days.

$113.00

*This item is ONE OF A KIND!  Once ordered it is removed from our inventory listings.

Product descriptions adapted from similar ones in The Tribal Arts of Africa written by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart

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