Chokwe People

I will be out of town for six days (between May 25th and 31st), and so will not be shipping or open for visitors at the gallery. The Indigo Arts website will be active as always, I will respond to emails, and I will be able to ship orders after May 31, 2023.

Note:
With the high cost of shipping many of our customers choose to ship by USPS. For small and light shipments this is usually less expensive, but please be aware that their estimates are notoriously wrong. The service is not always as economical as it may appear, particularly on larger or more valuable shipments. USPS estimates only include insurance up to $100 for its domestic shipments, and varying amounts for overseas shipments. If you ask for full insurance we will recalculate the shipping cost and send you an invoice for any difference in cost.

About the Artist

Region:

Africa

Chokwe Chihongo Mask

SKU: AFM-2207

Chokwe People

Angola

Angola
Wood w/ mineral & organic pigments (10” h. x 7” w. x 5” d.)

Ex. collection of Jonathan Fisher
ex. collection of Ralph Fisher
Purchased from Herbert F. Rieser gallery, London, 11/3/1965.

Chihongo represents a male spirit and refers to wealth and power. This mask would have only have been worn by a high-ranking member of society or his sons during festivities, especially during the proceedings of the mukanda, or male initiation. Chihongo is a royal character, and the exuberant arched headpiece with feathers that would have originally have been attached to the mask referenced a type worn by high chiefs. The disk-shaped element protruding from the chin recalls the beard worn by chiefs. Symbolizing the male principles of power, social status, accomplishment, and strength, Chihongo complements Mwana Pwo, or Pwewo, the model for female beauty. (Yale University Art Gallery).

Provenance:

Jonathan W. Fisher Collection

$750

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