Cihongo-chokwé Mask

Cihongo mask - Chokwe / Tschokwe - AngolaThe CIHONGO mask is the male counterpart to the PWO mask.
Their stylistic proximity is evident in the treatment of the facial features: the large, rounded, unobstructed forehead, marked with the cross of Saint Andrew, the ears adorned with metal earrings, the half-closed eyes and "tear" marks, the same shape of nose, the mouth with highlighted blunt teeth.
The Cihongo is the representation of a male spirit evoking power and wealth. In the past, only the chief or the chief's son could wear the Cihongo. These masks were topped by a fan-shaped headdress adorned with feathers.The dancer wore rattles to give rhythm to his dance.His costume consisted of a knitted raffia jumpsuit with long sleeves and tights.Over it, a fiber skirt gave rhythm to his movements.
The Chipenya Mutwe mask, made of plant fibers or carved from the mass, was often accompanied by a headband around the upper edge of the mask, courtesy of Détours des mondes
.