Chokwe Makishi Mask with Headdress Congo
Width: 22.0
Depth: 10.0
Description
The Chokwe Makishi Mask is a traditional mask from the Chokwe people, who are an ethnic group that primarily lives in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia. The mask is used in various ceremonies and rituals and is considered to be a sacred object with great cultural and spiritual significance.
The Chokwe Makishi Mask is a carved wooden mask that typically features a human face with prominent facial features, such as large, bulging eyes, a broad nose, and a wide mouth. The mask may also have decorative elements, such as beads, shells, and fibers, added to it to enhance its appearance.
The mask is believed to embody the spirit of a powerful ancestral figure or a supernatural being, and it is worn by a designated member of the community during important ceremonies and events, such as funerals, initiation rites, and agricultural festivals. The wearer of the mask is believed to become possessed by the spirit, and as a result, is able to communicate with the ancestors and the spiritual world.
The Chokwe Makishi Mask is a unique and significant piece of African art and culture, and it continues to be an important part of Chokwe tradition and heritage.
143424
Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Chokwe
Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.