A Chokwe Chihongo Mask...

Description

A Chokwe Chihongo Mask
Angola, c. early 20th century

This finely carved Chihongo mask, emblematic of the Chokwe culture of Angola, represents the spirit of wealth and authority. Chihongo, often embodied with a projecting beard and elaborate headdress, was danced by senior men of status in performances celebrating prosperity and the reinforcement of chiefly power. The present example displays the hallmarks of the type: a relatively narrow face with angular planes, deeply incised features, a prominent curving beard, and still vivid red-brown, black, and white natural earth pigments, pigments highlighting its dramatic expression. A metal earring in proper right ear. In good condition, appropriate for age, materials, and origin; minor scuffs on the proper right ear, high points with tiny chips or rubbed areas. With a metal stand.
Chihongo (literally "spirit of wealth") is embodied as an elder male with a projecting beard, usually wearing regalia that references seniority, prestige, and political authority. His presence in performance affirms continuity with the ancestors and underscores the chief's wealth, generosity, and responsibility.

Provenance:
Patrick van de Velde, as of 1978
Marc Leo Felix, Brussels, Belgium
Zollman collection, IND
Gelbard collection, NY, until 2007

Publication(s):
Expo cat.: "Remnants of Ritual, Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art", edited by Arthur Bourgeois and Scott Rodolitz, New York: Ethnos, 2003:43, #97
Published online at the African Heritage Documentation and Research Centre, AHDRC #0001379

Exhibition(s):
USA: "Remnants of Ritual, Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art":
- University Park, IL: Governors State University, February 2003
- Krannert, IL: Krannert Art Museum, 26 August-26 October, 2003
- Kansas City, MO: Belger Art Foundation/UIniversity of Missouri-Kansas City, 2004
- Park Forest, IL: Tall Grass Art Association, 2005
Auction(s):
Bonhams, New York, "The Gelbard Collection of African Art", 13 November 2007. Lot 2595

Height: 10 inches

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,000.

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